U.S. patent application number 10/668498 was filed with the patent office on 2004-07-22 for cleaning unit, process cartridge, image forming apparatus, and toner.
Invention is credited to Kawasumi, Masanori, Koike, Toshio, Kumagai, Naohiro, Murakami, Eisaku, Sampe, Atsushi, Shintani, Takeshi, Tomita, Masami, Uchitani, Takeshi, Yanagida, Masato.
Application Number | 20040141779 10/668498 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32072452 |
Filed Date | 2004-07-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040141779 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yanagida, Masato ; et
al. |
July 22, 2004 |
Cleaning unit, process cartridge, image forming apparatus, and
toner
Abstract
A cleaning unit is equipped with a cleaning blade that is in
contact with a surface of a photosensitive drum and cleans the
surface. A peak temperature of a loss tangent (tan .delta.) is in a
range of 2.degree. C. to -30.degree. C. when a sine-wave vibration
of 10 Hz is applied to the cleaning blade. Moreover, the cleaning
unit lowers a coefficient of static friction of the surface of the
photosensitive drum that is to be cleaned.
Inventors: |
Yanagida, Masato; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Sampe, Atsushi; (Kanagawa, JP) ;
Kumagai, Naohiro; (Kanagawa, JP) ; Koike, Toshio;
(Kanagawa, JP) ; Shintani, Takeshi; (Kanagawa,
JP) ; Kawasumi, Masanori; (Kanagawa, JP) ;
Tomita, Masami; (Shizuoka, JP) ; Murakami,
Eisaku; (Kanagawa, JP) ; Uchitani, Takeshi;
(Kanagawa, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND, MAIER & NEUSTADT, P.C.
1940 DUKE STREET
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
32072452 |
Appl. No.: |
10/668498 |
Filed: |
September 24, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
399/350 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03G 21/1814 20130101;
G03G 21/0017 20130101; G03G 2221/001 20130101; G03G 21/0076
20130101; G03G 2221/183 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
399/350 |
International
Class: |
G03G 021/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 24, 2002 |
JP |
2002-276748 |
Oct 29, 2002 |
JP |
2002-314241 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A cleaning unit comprising: a cleaning blade that cleans a
surface of a photosensitive drum, wherein when a sine-wave
vibration of 10 Hz is applied to the cleaning blade, a peak
temperature of a loss tangent tan .delta. is in a range of
2.degree. C. to -30.degree. C.
2. The cleaning unit according to claim 1, wherein when the
sine-wave vibration of 10 Hz is applied to the cleaning blade, a
temperature-dependent change of the loss tangent tan .delta. in a
temperature range of 10.degree. C. to 40.degree. C. is in a range
of 0.001/.degree. C. to 0.020/.degree. C.
3. The cleaning unit according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning
blade is made of thermosetting urethane elastomer.
4. The cleaning unit according to claim 3, wherein static friction
coefficient of the surface of the photosensitive drum is in a range
of 0.1 to 0.4.
5. The cleaning unit according to claim 4, wherein the
photosensitive drum includes a surface layer that contains a
fluorine-contained resin particle.
6. A process cartridge comprising: an arrangement that includes at
least a cleaning unit that cleans residual toner on a
photosensitive drum, and that is detachably mounted on an image
forming apparatus, wherein the cleaning unit includes a cleaning
blade that is in contact with a surface of the photosensitive drum
to clean the surface, and when a sine-wave vibration of 10 Hz is
applied to the cleaning blade, a peak temperature of a loss tangent
tan .delta. is in a range of 2.degree. C. to -30.degree. C.
7. The process cartridge according to claim 6, wherein when the
sine-wave vibration of 10 Hz is applied to the cleaning blade, a
temperature-dependent change of the loss tangent tan .delta. in a
temperature range of 10.degree. C. to 40.degree. C. is in a range
of 0.001/.degree. C. to 0.020/.degree. C.
8. The process cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the cleaning
blade is made of thermosetting urethane elastomer.
9. The process cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the
coefficient of static friction of the surface of the photosensitive
drum is in a range of 0.1 to 0.4.
10. The process cartridge according to claim 9, the photosensitive
drum includes a surface layer that contains a fluorine-contained
resin particle.
11. An image forming apparatus comprising: a photosensitive drum on
which an electrostatic latent image is formed; a charging unit that
charges the photosensitive drum; an exposing unit that exposes a
surface of the photosensitive drum to form the electrostatic latent
image; a developing unit that supplies toner to the surface of the
photosensitive drum to form a toner image; a transferring unit that
includes either of a transferring member and an intermediate
transfer element to transfer the toner image to a recording medium;
and a cleaning unit that includes a cleaning blade that cleans the
surface of the photosensitive drum, wherein when a sine-wave
vibration of 10 Hz is applied to the cleaning blade, a peak
temperature of a loss tangent tan .delta. is in a range of
2.degree. C. to -30.degree. C.
12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein when
the sine-wave vibration of 10 Hz is applied to the cleaning blade,
a temperature-dependent change of the loss tangent tan .delta. in a
temperature range of 10.degree. C. to 40.degree. C. is in a range
of 0.001/.degree. C. to 0.020/.degree. C.
13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the
cleaning blade is made of thermosetting urethane elastomer.
14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein
static friction coefficient of the surface of the photosensitive
drum is in a range of 0.1 to 0.4.
15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the
photosensitive drum includes a surface layer that contains a
fluorine-contained resin particle.
16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the
toner is made by melting and kneading a mixture of at least a
binder resin, a colorant, and a mold releasing agent, then
pulverizing and classifying the mixture, and a volume average
particle size of the toner is in a range of 3 micrometers to 8
micrometers.
17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the
binder resin is a prepolymer of a polyester having a functional
group that contains a nitrogen atom, the toner is made by
dispersing the mixture in an aqueous medium in presence of fine
particles of resin, then allowing to undergo polyaddition reaction
followed by drying and classifying the dispersed mixture, and a
volume average particle size of the toner is in a range of 3
micrometers to 8 micrometers.
18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein a
ratio of the volume average particle size and a number average
particle size of the toner Dv/Dn is in a range of 1.05 to 1.80.
19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein a
shape factor SF-1 of the toner is in a range of 100 to 180, and a
shape factor SF-2 of the toner is in a range of 100 to 190.
20. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein a
fluorine-contained resin is added externally as an additive to the
toner.
21. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, further
comprising: an applying unit that applies fluorine-contained resin
on the photosensitive drum.
22. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the
cleaning unit includes at least two cleaning blades.
23. A cleaning unit comprising: a cleaning blade that cleans a
surface of a photosensitive drum, wherein an impact resilience of
the cleaning blade at 10.degree. C. is equal to or more than 35
percent, and a rate of change of the impact resilience in a
temperature range of 10.degree. C. to 40.degree. C. is equal to or
less than 1.4/.degree. C.
24. The cleaning unit according to claim 23, wherein the cleaning
blade is made of a urethane elastomer.
25. The cleaning unit according to claim 23, further comprising a
downstream cleaning blade that is disposed at a downstream of
rotation of the photosensitive drum than the cleaning blade.
26. The cleaning unit according to claim 25, wherein the cleaning
blade is disposed in a counter form, and the downstream cleaning
blade is disposed in a trailer form.
27. The cleaning unit according to claim 25, wherein each of the
cleaning blade and the downstream cleaning blade is supported by an
independent supporting element.
28. A process cartridge comprising: an arrangement that includes at
least a cleaning unit that cleans residual toner on a
photosensitive drum, and that is detachably mounted on an image
forming apparatus, wherein the cleaning unit includes a cleaning
blade that is in contact with a surface of the photosensitive drum
to clean the surface, an impact resilience of the cleaning blade at
10.degree. C. is equal to or more than 35 percent, and a rate of
change of the impact resilience in a temperature range of
10.degree. C. to 40.degree. C. is equal to or less than
1.4/.degree. C.
29. The process cartridge according to claim 28, wherein the
cleaning blade is made of a urethane elastomer.
30. The process cartridge according to claim 28, further comprising
a downstream cleaning blade that is disposed at a downstream of
rotation of the photosensitive drum than the cleaning blade.
31. The process cartridge according to claim 30, wherein the
cleaning blade is disposed in a counter form, and the downstream
cleaning blade is disposed in a trailer form.
32. The cleaning unit according to claim 30, wherein each of the
cleaning blade and the downstream cleaning blade is supported by an
independent supporting element.
33. An image forming apparatus comprising: a photosensitive drum on
which an electrostatic latent image is formed; a charging unit that
charges the photosensitive drum; an exposing unit that exposes a
surface of the photosensitive drum to form the electrostatic latent
image; a developing unit that supplies toner to the surface of the
photosensitive drum to form a toner image; a transferring unit that
has either a transferring member or an intermediate transfer
element, and transfers the toner image to a surface of a recording
medium; and a cleaning unit that includes a cleaning blade that
cleans the surface of the photosensitive drum, wherein an impact
resilience of the cleaning blade at 10.degree. C. is equal to or
more than 35 percent, and a rate of change of the impact resilience
in a temperature range of 10.degree. C. to 40.degree. C. is equal
to or less than 1.4/.degree. C.
34. The image forming apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the
cleaning blade is made of a urethane elastomer.
35. The image forming apparatus according to claim 33, further
comprising a downstream cleaning blade that is disposed at a
downstream of rotation of the photosensitive drum than the cleaning
blade.
36. The image forming apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the
cleaning blade is disposed in a counter form, and the downstream
cleaning blade is disposed in a trailer form.
37. The image forming apparatus according to claim 35, wherein each
of the cleaning blade and the downstream cleaning blade is
supported by an independent supporting element.
38. The image forming apparatus according to claim 35, further
comprising a decharging unit that decharges the surface of the
photosensitive drum after transferring the toner image, wherein the
downstream cleaning blade is disposed at the downstream of rotation
of the photosensitive drum with respect to the cleaning blade with
the decharging unit disposed between the cleaning blade and the
downstream cleaning blade.
39. The image forming apparatus according to claim 38, wherein the
second cleaning blade is disposed at an upper stream side of
rotation of the photosensitive drum than the charging unit.
40. The image forming apparatus according to claim 33, wherein a
volume average particle size of the toner is in a range of 3
micrometers to 8 micrometers, and a ratio of the volume average
particle size and a number average particle size of the toner Dv/Dn
is in a range of 1.00 to 1.4.
41. The image forming apparatus according to claim 33, wherein a
shape factor SF-1 of the toner is in a range of 100 to 180, and a
shape factor SF-2 of the toner is in a range of 100 to 180.
42. The image forming apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the
toner is made by allowing a toner solution to undergo at least
either of a cross linking reaction and an extension reaction in an
aqueous medium, wherein the toner solution is made by dispersing a
mixture of at least a prepolymer of a polyester having a functional
group that includes a nitrogen atom, a mold releasing agent, a
colorant, and a polyester, in an organic solvent.
43. A toner that is used for developing in electrophotography,
wherein a volume average particle size of the toner is in a range
of 3 micrometers to 8 micrometers, and a ratio of the volume
average particle size and a number average particle size Dv/Dn is
in a range of 1.00 to 1.40.
44. The toner according to claim 43, made by allowing a toner
solution to undergo at least either of a cross linking reaction and
an extension reaction in an aqueous medium, wherein the toner
solution is made by dispersing a mixture of at least a prepolymer
of a polyester having a functional group that includes a nitrogen
atom, a mold releasing agent, a colorant, and a polyester, in an
organic solvent.
45. A toner that is used for developing in electrophotography,
wherein a shape factor SF-1 is in a range of 100 to 180, and a
shape factor SF-2 is in a range of 100 to 180.
46. The toner according to claim 45, made by allowing a toner
solution to undergo at least either of a cross linking reaction and
an extension reaction in an aqueous medium, wherein the toner
solution is made by dispersing a mixture of at least a prepolymer
of a polyester having a functional group that includes a nitrogen
atom, a mold releasing agent, a colorant, and a polyester, in an
organic solvent.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1) Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a cleaning unit, a process
cartridge equipped with the cleaning unit, an image forming
apparatus, and a toner used in the image forming apparatus.
[0003] 2) Description of the Related Art
[0004] Image forming process in electrophotography includes steps
of charging a surface of a photosensitive drum, forming an
electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive
drum, developing the electrostatic latent image with toner to form
a toner image, transferring the toner image to an intermediate
transfer belt, transferring the toner image from the intermediate
transfer belt to a recording medium or transferring the toner image
on the photosensitive drum directly to the recording medium, and
forming the image on the recording medium by fixing the toner with
a hot roll. Some of the toner that is not transferred to the
intermediate transfer belt or the recording medium remains on the
surface of the photosensitive drum after having transferred the
toner image. In addition, paper dust, additive component in the
toner, etc. are deposited on the surface of the photosensitive
drum. In General, a cleaning unit cleans all those foreign matter
including the remained toner, etc. before proceeding to the next
image forming process. The cleaning unit typically includes a
blade, a brush, and a magnetic brush. Scraping the remaining toner
off on the photosensitive drum by using a cleaning blade made of an
elastic material is a generally accepted way of cleaning because of
low cost and stable efficiency.
[0005] On the other hand, with an advancement of a digital
technology, a digital image forming has gained a popularity.
Particularly, in a color image forming apparatus, a highly defined
image output by reproducing a small dot of one pixel is commonly
demanded. To meet the demand for the highly defined image, reducing
a particle size, improving a spherical shape of particles have been
studied as a part of improvement in toner. Reproducibility of a dot
is improved by reducing the particle size. Developing and
transferring is enhanced by employing the spherical shape of
particles.
[0006] However, if a toner having a small particle size with the
spherical shape is used, the surface of the photosensitive drum
cannot be cleaned properly with the cleaning blade after having
transferred the toner image. This is because it is difficult to
overcome adhesive power of toner on the photosensitive drum due to
the small particle size. Moreover, due to the spherical particles
in the toner, the toner tends to rotates between the cleaning blade
and the photosensitive drum thereby slipping through the gap.
[0007] If a pressure under which the cleaning blade is in contact
with the photosensitive drum is increased to clean the toner having
a small particle size with the spherical shape, with increased
force of friction, it results in bending or chattering of the
blade, thereby affecting the cleaning of the photosensitive
drum.
[0008] The temperature dependency is one of the mechanical
properties of the cleaning blade. In a wide range of temperatures
under which the image forming apparatus is used, particularly, at
low temperatures, the scraping capacity of the cleaning blade with
respect to the photosensitive drum is deteriorated, thereby causing
slipping of the toner on the surface of the photosensitive
drum.
[0009] The following measures are proposed for cleaning the
photosensitive drum when the toner having a small particle size
with the spherical shape is used.
[0010] In the image forming apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent
Application Laid Open Publication No. 2002-268490, a polymer toner
has an average particle size in a range of 3 micrometers to 8
micrometers, a variation coefficient in a particle size
distribution not more than 27 percent, and proportion of toner
particles in a range of shape factor from 0.940 to 0.985. Material
for cleaning blade in the cleaning unit is polyurethane rubber
having JIS rubber hardness in a range of 65 to 73 degrees in an
environment of 25.degree. C., 300 percent modulus 980.times.104
Pascal, an impact resilience in a range of 40 percent to 73
percent, and the cleaning blade in contact is exerting load in a
range of 147 mN/cm to 147 mN/cm on the photosensitive drum.
[0011] Moreover, in the cleaning unit disclosed in Japanese Patent
Application Laid Open Publication No. 2002-214992, a cleaning blade
having the impact resilience H fulfilling the condition
45.ltoreq.H<70 (percent) is allowed to be in contact with a
cylindrical photosensitive drum at an angle not more than central
angle of cylinder .beta..+-.30 degrees.
[0012] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus disclosed in
Japanese Patent Application Laid Open Publication No. 2002-72804, a
toner prepared by adding an external additive having an average
particle size in a range of 50 micrometers to 500 micrometers to
toner particles having an average shape index SF in a range of 100
to 135 is used. A cleaning blade of the cleaning unit is made of an
elastic material having an impact resilience not les than 35
percent at 10.degree. C.
[0013] Moreover, an additive like fine particles of resin or a
metal oxide, a metal nitride, and metal carbide of silica, titania,
alumina etc. are added to the toner to adjust fluidity and charging
characteristics of the toner. However, if the particles are made
smaller, the surface area of a unit weight of toner becomes large
and the quantity of the additive increases in accordance with the
surface area. Due to the increase in the quantity of the additive
to be added, the quantity of the additive that is separated (free)
increases and the additive remains on an image carrier instead of
being transferred together with the toner or being cleaned from the
image carrier. Since the remained additive is insulating in nature
electrically, it is charged by a charging unit and adheres firmly
on the photosensitive drum. With this additive of silica etc.
adhered as a base, the other ingredients of toner like a binder
resin, a mold releasing agent etc. are adhered and deposited. This
deposition of silica etc. on the photosensitive drum causes a
faulty image with a white patch on a half tone or a beta image in
negative-positive developing in digital developing.
[0014] In Japanese Patent Application Laid Open Publication No.
2000-19918 an image forming apparatus provided with two cleaning
units where a peak temperature of tan .delta. of a cleaning blade
in the second cleaning unit is adjusted in a range of 2.degree. C.
to 15.degree. C. to deal with improper cleaning caused by almost
spherical-shaped particles of toner due to polymerization process,
is proposed. In Japanese Patent Application Laid Open Publication
No. 2000-112315, a rubber member used in electrophotography made of
an elastic rubber having a peak temperature of tan .delta. in a
range of -10.degree. C. to 20.degree. C. and half power bandwidth
not less than 30.degree. C. is proposed. Moreover, in Japanese
Patent Application Laid Open Publication No. 2001-290404, a
cleaning blade made of urethane having a peak temperature of tan
.delta. not less than 10.degree. C. and not more than 30.degree. C.
is proposed.
[0015] Although the image forming apparatuses are used in wide
range of environmental conditions from high temperature to low
temperature, due to the temperature dependency, which is one of the
mechanical properties of the cleaning blade, the cleaning blade
resonates at a high temperature causing noise and chatters at a low
temperature causing vibrations. Moreover, at a low temperature, due
to deterioration of scraping of the photosensitive drum, the toner
slips on the surface of the photosensitive drum. While using a
toner having a small particle size with the spherical shape, the
slipping of toner doesn't allow proper cleaning of the surface of
the photosensitive drum. If the frictional force between the
photosensitive drum and the cleaning blade is increased to achieve
better cleaning, it results in bending or chattering of the blade,
thereby affecting the cleaning of the photosensitive drum.
Furthermore, in a toner having a small particle size, the increased
amount of the external additive gives rise to image defects
initiated from silica etc.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] It is an object of the present invention to solve at least
the problems in the conventional technology.
[0017] The cleaning unit according to one aspect of the present
invention includes a cleaning blade that cleans a surface of a
photosensitive drum, wherein when a sine-wave vibration of 10 Hz is
applied to the cleaning blade, a peak temperature of a loss tangent
tan .delta. is in a range of 2.degree. C. to -30.degree. C.
[0018] The process cartridge according to another aspect of the
present invention includes an arrangement that includes at least a
cleaning unit that cleans residual toner on a photosensitive drum,
and that is detachably mounted on an image forming apparatus,
wherein the cleaning unit includes a cleaning blade that is in
contact with a surface of the photosensitive drum to clean the
surface, and when a sine-wave vibration of 10 Hz is applied to the
cleaning blade, a peak temperature of a loss tangent tan .delta. is
in a range of 2.degree. C. to -30.degree. C.
[0019] The image forming apparatus according to still another
aspect of the present invention includes a photosensitive drum on
which an electrostatic latent image is formed, a charging unit that
charges the photosensitive drum, an exposing unit that exposes a
surface of the photosensitive drum to form the electrostatic latent
image, a developing unit that supplies toner to the surface of the
photosensitive drum to form a toner image, a transferring unit that
includes either of a transferring member and an intermediate
transfer element to transfer the toner image to a recording medium,
and a cleaning unit that includes a cleaning blade that cleans the
surface of the photosensitive drum, wherein when a sine-wave
vibration of 10 Hz is applied to the cleaning blade, a peak
temperature of a loss tangent tan .delta. is in a range of
2.degree. C. to -30.degree. C.
[0020] The cleaning unit according to still another aspect of the
present invention includes a cleaning blade that cleans a surface
of a photosensitive drum, wherein an impact resilience of the
cleaning blade at 10.degree. C. is equal to or more than 35
percent, and a rate of change of the impact resilience in a
temperature range of 10.degree. C. to 40.degree. C. is equal to or
less than 1.4/.degree. C.
[0021] The process cartridge according to still another aspect of
the present invention includes an arrangement that includes at
least a cleaning unit that cleans residual toner on a
photosensitive drum, and that is detachably mounted on an image
forming apparatus, wherein the cleaning unit includes a cleaning
blade that is in contact with a surface of the photosensitive drum
to clean the surface, an impact resilience of the cleaning blade at
10.degree. C. is equal to or more than 35 percent, and a rate of
change of the impact resilience in a temperature range of 1.degree.
C to 40.degree. C. is equal to or less than 1.4/.degree. C.
[0022] The image forming apparatus according to still another
aspect of the present invention includes a photosensitive drum on
which an electrostatic latent image is formed, a charging unit that
charges the photosensitive drum, an exposing unit that exposes a
surface of the photosensitive drum to form the electrostatic latent
image, a developing unit that supplies toner to the surface of the
photosensitive drum to form a toner image, a transferring unit that
has either a transferring member or an intermediate transfer
element, and transfers the toner image to a surface of a recording
medium, and a cleaning unit that includes a cleaning blade that
cleans the surface of the photosensitive drum, wherein an impact
resilience of the cleaning blade at 10.degree. C. is equal to or
more than 35 percent, and a rate of change of the impact resilience
in a temperature range of 10.degree. C. to 40.degree. C. is equal
to or less than 1.4/.degree. C.
[0023] The toner according to still another aspect of the present
invention, which is used for developing in electrophotography, has
a volume average particle size in a range of 3 micrometers to 8
micrometers, and a ratio of the volume average particle size and a
number average particle size Dv/Dn in a range of 1.00 to 1.40.
[0024] The toner according to still another aspect of the present
invention, which is used for developing in electrophotography, has
a shape factor SF-1 in a range of 100 to 180, and a shape factor
SF-2 in a range of 100 to 180.
[0025] The other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention are specifically set forth in or will become apparent
from the following detailed descriptions of the invention when read
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus
equipped with a cleaning unit according to a first embodiment and a
second embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a periphery of a
photosensitive drum of the image forming apparatus according to the
first embodiment and the second embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 3 is a graph of a relationship between loss tangent
(tan .delta.) and temperature of a cleaning blade used in the
cleaning unit according to the first embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a structure of the
photosensitive drum that is cleaned by the cleaning unit;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a measurement setup for
static friction coefficient of the photosensitive drum;
[0031] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B illustrate shape factors;
[0032] FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are schematic diagrams of a lubricating
unit in the image forming apparatus according to the first
embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a cleaning unit equipped
with two cleaning blades used in the image forming apparatus
according to the first embodiment; and
[0034] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a modification of the
cleaning unit according to the second embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] Exemplary embodiments of a method of planning, a cleaning
unit, a process cartridge, an image forming apparatus, and a toner
according to the present invention are explained in detail with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0036] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus
equipped with a cleaning unit according to a first embodiment of
the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram around
periphery of a photosensitive drum of the image forming apparatus
equipped with the cleaning unit in the present invention.
[0037] A charging unit 2, an exposing unit 3, a developing unit 4,
a transferring unit 6, a fixing unit 7, and a cleaning unit 8 are
disposed around the periphery of a photosensitive drum 1, which is
an electrostatic latent image carrier.
[0038] An organic compound like bisazo pigments and phthalocyanine
pigments, an amorphous metal like amorphous silicone, amorphous
selenium which are photoconductive, can be used for the
photosensitive drum 1. Taking into consideration the environment
and disposal after use, it is desirable to use a photosensitive
drum having an organic compound.
[0039] The charging unit 2 may be employing any one of a corona
charging, a roller charging, a brush charging, and a blade
charging. The charging unit 2 in this embodiment is a roller
charging unit. The charging unit 2 includes a charging roller 2a, a
cleaning pad 2b that is in contact with the charging roller 2a for
the purpose of cleaning, and a power supply that is in contact with
the charging roller 2a but is not shown in the figure. A high
voltage is applied on the charging roller 2a thereby applying a
prescribed voltage between the photosensitive drum 1 and the
charging roller 2a having curvature. Corona discharge is generated
between the photosensitive drum 1 and the charging roller 2a,
thereby charging a surface of the photosensitive drum 1
uniformly.
[0040] The exposing unit 3 converts data that is read by a scanner
of a reading unit and an image signal transmitted from outside like
from a PC, which is not shown in the diagram, allows to scan a
laser beam 3 by a polygon motor, and forms an electrostatic latent
image on the photosensitive drum 1 based on the image signal that
is read through a mirror.
[0041] The developing unit 4 includes a developer carrier that
carries a developer to the photosensitive drum 1 and a toner
supplying chamber. It includes a cylindrical developer carrier that
is disposed in a position such that it maintains a minute gap from
the photosensitive drum and a developer regulator that regulates
the amount of the developer on the developer carrier. The developer
carrier includes a hollow developer cylinder that is rotatably
supported inside the developer carrier and a magnet roll that is
fixed to the same shaft inside the hollow developer cylinder. A
developer adheres magnetically on an outer peripheral surface of a
hollow developer cylinder and is carried further. The hollow
developer cylinder is formed by a photoconductive and non-magnetic
material. A power supply for applying of developing bias is
connected to this hollow developer cylinder. The voltage is applied
between the hollow developer cylinder and the photosensitive drum 1
by the power supply, thereby forming an electric field in an area
of developing.
[0042] The transferring unit includes a transfer belt 6a, a
transfer bias roller 6b and a tension roller 6c. The transfer bias
roller 6b includes a core of iron, aluminum, and stainless etc.
with an elastic layer (a layer of an elastic material) on its
surface. To keep a paper in a close contact with the photosensitive
drum 1, a pressure necessary on the side of the photosensitive drum
1 is applied on the transfer bias roller 6b. Effectiveness of the
transfer belt 6a depends on a heat resistant material that is
selected as a base material of the belt. The transfer belt 6a can
be made of a seamless polyimide film on an outer surface of which a
layer of fluorine-contained resin can be applied. Moreover, if it
is necessary, a layer of silicone rubber may be provided on the
polyimide film on which a layer of fluorine-contained resin can
also be applied. A tension roller is provided on an inner side of
the transfer belt 6a to drive the belt and to apply tension in the
belt.
[0043] The fixing unit 7 includes a fixing roller having a heater
for heating a halogen lamp and a pressurizing roller that is in
pressed contact. The fixing roller includes a core with an elastic
layer (a layer of an elastic material) of 100 micrometers to 500
micrometers thickness, desirably of 400 micrometers thickness on it
and an outer layer of a resin having good mold releasing property
like that of a fluorine contained resin, to prevent adhesion of
toner due to its viscosity. The outer resin layer is formed by a
PFA tube. A temperature detector is provided on an outer peripheral
surface of the fixing roller and a heater is controlled to maintain
almost a constant temperature of about 160.degree. C. to
200.degree. C. on the surface of the fixing roller. The
pressurizing roller includes a core having an outer surface covered
with a layer of an offset preventing material like
tetrafluoroethylen-perfluor- oalkylvinylether (PFA) and
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). A layer of an elastic material like
silicone rubber is provided on an outer surface of the core similar
to that in the fixing roller.
[0044] Following is the detailed explanation of the cleaning unit
8. The cleaning unit 8 includes a cleaning blade 8a, a toner
recovery vane 8d, a toner recovery coil 8c, a support 8e, and a
toner recovery box that is not shown in the diagram.
[0045] The cleaning blade 8a removes toner that remains on the
photosensitive drum 1 after transferring of an image. The cleaning
blade 8a is disposed in the cleaning unit by sticking to the
support 8e. There is no restriction on material of support 8e and
it can be made of a material like a metal, plastic, and ceramics.
It is desirable to use a metal plate since some strength is
required to withstand pressure exerted on the support 8e.
Particularly, it is desirable to use a stainless steel plate, an
aluminum plate, and a copper plate of phosphor bronze etc. The
cleaning blade 8a is stuck to the support 8e by applying an
adhesive to the support, sticking the blade on it and fixing it by
either heating or pressurizing.
[0046] When the cleaning blade 8a is imparted sine-wave vibrations
of 10 Hz, a peak temperature of a loss tangent (tan .delta.) of the
cleaning blade is in a range of 2.degree. C. to -30.degree. C. FIG.
3 is a graphical representation of a relation between temperature
and tan .delta. of the cleaning blade. The loss tangent of the
cleaning blade is a parameter of damping of energy due to an
external force when the external force is exerted on the cleaning
blade 8a and is expressed as a ratio of a loss elasticity modulus
and a dynamic elasticity modulus. In particular, the loss
elasticity modulus indicates viscous property and the dynamic
elasticity modulus indicates elastic property. The peak temperature
of tans can be adjusted by varying a resin material, a molecular
weight, and degree of cross linkage.
[0047] If the tan .delta. is small, the elastic property is
dominant over the viscous property. For this reason, even when the
external force is exerted, due to quick recovery of deformed shape
of the cleaning blade, bending of the blade is suppressed. However,
since the blade tends to vibrate easily, it results in resonance
and chattering of the cleaning blade 8a. If the tans is the viscous
property is dominant over the elastic property. For this reason,
the scraping of the photosensitive drum 1 is improved and the
vibrations in the cleaning blade are suppressed effectively. The
resonating of the cleaning blade at high temperature and chattering
of the cleaning blade at low temperature are minimized, thereby
achieving good cleaning of the blade.
[0048] However, it is difficult to fulfill both the properties
simultaneously. To improve cleaning by improving the close contact
of the cleaning blade 8a with the photosensitive drum 1, it is
desirable that tan .delta. is not less than 0.01, and tan .delta.
not less than 0.05 is more desirable.
[0049] So far, the temperature peak of tan .delta. was mostly kept
near the room temperature. However, in the present embodiment, as
is illustrated in FIG. 3, it is possible to adjust tan .delta. not
less than 0.01 in an environmental condition that is used
practically by adjusting the peak temperature of tans not more than
2.degree. C. Thus, the cleaning blade 8a having both elastic and
viscous properties to some extent, can be used in the practical
environmental conditions of an image forming apparatus 100.
[0050] Moreover, the cleaning unit 8 in the present invention has a
cleaning blade having a rate of change of tan .delta. corresponding
to temperature, in a range of 0.001/.degree. C. to 0.020/.degree.
C. in a range of temperature environment of 10.degree. C. to
40.degree. C. in which the image forming apparatus 100 is mostly
used. Conditions of the cleaning blade, like free length,
thickness, angle of contact with the photosensitive drum 1,
pressure of contact, protrusion are set in an environmental
condition in which the cleaning unit is normally used. However, in
the cleaning blade 8a, which is an elastic body, the movement of
molecular chain becomes active with the rise in temperature and the
mechanical characteristics of high molecules of the blade change.
Therefore, the best setting conditions differ according to the
temperature. However, the environmental conditions change every
moment and it is difficult to adjust the conditions every time. To
cope with this, the peak temperature of tan .delta. is set on low
temperature side and the rate of change of tan .delta.
corresponding to the temperature is kept in a narrow range of 0.001
to 0.020, thereby reducing the variation in mechanical
characteristics due to the change in temperature. If the rate of
change of tan .delta. corresponding to the temperature is more than
0.020, there is a considerable variation in the mechanical
characteristics and the conditions are to be adjusted for high
temperature and low temperature. If the conditions are adjusted for
low temperature, the blade resonates at high temperature and if the
conditions are adjusted for high temperature, the blade chatters at
low temperature causing improper cleaning due to the vibrations,
thereby resulting in defective image.
[0051] These characteristics were measured by a dynamic viscosity
elasticity measuring equipment (a spectrometer manufactured by
IWAMOTO PRECISION EQUIPMENT CO., LTD), and were measured at a
frequency of 10 Hz.
[0052] Moreover, the examples of elastic material having a small
coefficient of friction that can be used for the cleaning blade 8a
in the present invention are urethane elastomers, silicone
elastomers, and fluorine elastomers among urethane resins, silicone
resins, fluorine resins etc. Examples of silicone elastomers are
methylvinyl silicone rubber, silicone fluoride rubber, and silicone
urethane formed by silicone-modified polyol. Moreover, examples of
fluorine resins are rubbers containing fluorine like propylene
tetrafluoroethylene alternating copolymer and polyvinylidene
fluoride. Thus, an elastic material like a fluorine elastomer, a
silicone elastomer, and a urethane elastomer is used in the
cleaning blade 8a.
[0053] It is desirable to have a thermosetting urethane resin as a
material for the cleaning blade 8a and a urethane elastomer is more
desirable due to its abrasion and wear resistance, ozone
resistance, and contamination resistance. Urethane rubber is also
included in a urethane elastomer. The raw materials for a urethane
elastomer include mainly polyol, polyisocyanate, and a setting
agent. In polyols, there are polyether based polyols and polyester
based polyols. The concrete examples are polyester polyol,
polyether polyol, caprolactone ester polyol, and polycarbonate
ester polyol. These can also be used after mixing. In
polyisocyanates, there are aromatic polyisocyanates and aliphatic
polyisocyanates. The concrete examples are diphenylmethane
diisocyanate (MDI), tolylene diisocyanate (TDI), naphthalene
diisocyanate (NDI), and hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI).
Furthermore, among stiffening agents, there are amines, glycols,
and triols. The concrete examples are 1,4-butanediol, ethylene
glycol, trimethylolpropane. Moreover, reinforcing agents (carbon
black, clay), softening agents (paraffin oil), increased heat
resisting agents (antimony trioxide), and colorants (titanium
oxide) can also be added.
[0054] Following is the method for manufacturing the cleaning blade
8a made of a urethane elastomer. A molding die for the cleaning
blade is prepared. Polyisocyanate, polyol, and a setting agent are
mixed in a receptacle and stirred. The prepared mixture is poured
into the molding die, heated up, and then allowed to undergo a
hardening reaction. After being hardened, it is demolded to obtain
the urethane elastomer composition. The prepared urethane elastomer
composition is cut in the form of a blade and the ends of the blade
are processed to obtain a finished mold in the form of a cleaning
blade.
[0055] It is desirable to have the strength (JIS-A) of the cleaning
blade 8a in the cleaning unit 8 in the present invention, in a
range of 65 degrees to 85 degrees. The cleaning blade having the
strength of less than 65 degrees deforms considerably, thereby
causing problems in cleaning. It is desirable that the cleaning
blade has a thickness in a range of 0.8 millimeters to 3.0
millimeters and a protrusion in a range of 3 millimeters to 15
millimeters. Since the cleaning blade 8a in the cleaning unit in
the present invention maintains a uniform angle of contact and
exerts a uniform pressure, it is desirable that the cleaning blade
is either fixed to the support 8e or integrated in the support.
[0056] Moreover, it is desirable to have the contact pressure
exerted by the cleaning blade 8a in a range of 10 gf/cm to 60
gf/cm. If the contact pressure is less than 10 gf/cm, it is
difficult to clean a toner having particle size less than 2
micrometers and if the contact pressure is more than 60 gf/cm, it
results in deterioration of cleaning capability caused by bending
of a tip of the cleaning blade or becoming apt to bounding or
chattering of the cleaning blade. It is desirable that the angle of
contact is in a range of 5 degrees to 25 degrees from a line of
contact of the contact position. If the angle of contact is less
than 5 degrees, it results in tendency of slipping of toner thereby
causing improper cleaning. If the angle of contact is greater than
25 degrees, the blade is apt to bending during cleaning. It is
desirable that the tip of the cleaning blade 8a is pressing against
the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 such that there is a dent
in a range of 0.1 millimeters to 2.0 millimeters on the surface of
the photosensitive drum. If the dent is less than 0.1 millimeters,
an area of contact between the cleaning blade and the
photosensitive drum is less, thereby allowing the toner to slip
through, resulting in improper cleaning. If the dent is more than
2.0 millimeters, the force of friction with the photosensitive drum
is high, thereby making the blade apt to bending and bounding.
Moreover, the resonating and chattering of the blade result in
improper cleaning.
[0057] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a structure of the
photosensitive drum that is cleaned by the cleaning unit in the
present invention. Although, the photosensitive drum is explained
by referring to the photosensitive drum 1 in a form of a drum, the
present embodiment is not restricted only to a drum and it may be a
photosensitive drum in a form of a belt as well. The photosensitive
drum 1 includes a photoconductive layer 116 that is formed by a
charge generating layer 113 having a charge generating material as
a principal constituent and a charge transporting layer 114 having
a charge transporting material as a principal constituent piled up
on a conductive support 112. A protective layer 115 is the
outermost layer. A metal drum formed by a metal like an aluminum
and stainless steel or an endless belt made of a metal like nickel
is used for the photoconductive support 112.
[0058] The principal constituent of the charge generating layer 113
is a charge generating material and monoazo pigments, bisazo
pigments, trisazo pigments, and phthalocyanine based pigment is an
example of the charge generating material. The charge generating
layer 113 is formed by allowing to disperse these charge generating
materials in a solvent like tetrahydrofuran and cyclohexanone
together with a binder resin of polycarbonate etc. and applying a
coat of this dispersion solution. Coat is applied by either a
submerged coating or by a spray coating. The film thickness of the
charge generating layer 113 is normally in a range of 0.01
micrometers to 5 micrometers and the desirable range of thickness
is 0.1 micrometers to 2 micrometers.
[0059] The charge transporting layer 114 is formed by dissolving
and dispersing the charge transporting material and a binder resin
in a suitable solvent like tetrahydrofuran, toluene, and
dichloroethane, applying a coat of this solution, and then drying.
A plasticizer or a leveling agent can also be added if required.
Among the charge transporting materials, as low molecular charge
transporters, there are electron transporters and positive-hole
transporters. The examples of electron transporters are electron
acceptors like chloranil, bromanil, tetracyanoethylene,
tetracyanodimethane, 2,4,7-trinitro-9-fluorinates,
2,4,5,7-tetranitro-9-fluorenone,
1,3,7-trinitrodibenzothiophene-5,5-dioxi- de. The examples of
positive-hole transporters are electron donors like derivatives of
oxazole, derivatives of oxadiazole, derivatives of imidazole,
derivatives of triphenylamine, derivatives of phenylhydrazone,
derivatives of .alpha.-phenylstilbenes, derivatives of thiazole,
derivatives of triazole, derivatives of phenazines, derivatives of
acridines, and derivatives of thiophene.
[0060] The examples of binder resins that are used in the charge
transporting layer 114 together with the charge transporting
material are thermoplastic resins or thermosetting resins like
polystyrene resins, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers,
styrene-butadiene copolymers, polyester resins, polyallylate
resins, polycarbonate resins, acrylic resins, epoxy resins,
melamine resins, and phenol resins. The thickness of the charge
transporting layer may be selected in accordance with the required
characteristics of the photosensitive drum in a range of 5
micrometers to 30 micrometers.
[0061] Moreover, an undercoat layer can be applied between the
surface of the photoconductive support 112 and the photoconductive
layer 116 of the photosensitive drum 1. Normally, the undercoat
layer is formed by a resin as its principal constituent. Since a
solution of the photoconductive layer 116 is applied on this
undercoat resin layer, it is desirable that a resin used for this
layer is a highly solubility resistant resin. The examples of these
highly solubility resistant resins are water-soluble resins like
polyvinyl alcohol resins, alcohol soluble resins like copolymer
nylons, hard resins that form a three-dimensional network structure
like polyurethane resins, alkyd melamine resins, and epoxy resins.
Moreover, fine powder of metal oxides like titanium oxide, silica,
and alumina may be added to the undercoat layer for prevention of
moire and reduction of residual charge. The undercoat layer can be
formed similarly as the photoconductive layer by using a suitable
solvent and method for application. The suitable thickness of the
undercoat layer is in a range of 0 micrometers to 5
micrometers.
[0062] The protective layer 115 that includes a filler is provided
further as an outer layer with the purpose of protection and
durability of the photoconductive layer 116. A fine powder of metal
oxides like titanium oxide, silica, and alumina can be used as a
filler to be added to the protective layer. If the particle size of
the filler is too big, the exposed light gets scattered by the
protective layer causing deterioration of the resolving power,
thereby resulting in poor image quality. The desirable thickness of
the protective layer is in a range of 3 micrometers to 10
micrometers. A charge transporting material or an antioxidant can
also be added to the protective layer.
[0063] It is also possible to allow to disperse and use a powder
and particles of any one of or plurality or those having different
particle size of metal salts of fatty acids like a fluorine resin,
a compound of fluorine, carbon fluoride, molybdenum sulfide, zinc
stearate or as a material for lowering the coefficient of friction.
Particularly, the particles of a fluorine resin are desirable. The
examples of fluorine resins are polytetrafluoro ethylene (PTFE)
which is a chemical name of tetrafluoro ethylene resin, tetrafluoro
ethylene-per-fluoroalkylvinyl ether copolymer, which is a chemical
name of tetrafluoro ethylene per fluoroalkoxy ethylene copolymer
resin (PFA), tetrafluoro ethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer,
which is a chemical name of tetrafluoro ethylene propylene
hexafluoride copolymer resin (FEP), tetrafluoro ethylene-ethylene
copolymer, which is a chemical name of tetrafluoro ethylene
ethylene copolymer resin (ETFE), polyvinylidene fluoride, which is
a chemical name of fluorovinylidene resin: PVDF, polychloro
trifluoro ethylene, which is a chemical name of chlorotrifluoro
ethylene resin (PCTFE), tetrafluoro
ethylene-perfluorodimethyldioxole copolymer resin (TFEPDD), and
polyvinyl fluoride, which is a chemical name of fluorovinyl resin
(PVF).
[0064] PTFE is desirable among these fluorine resins. The molecular
structure of PTFE is such that it is a perfectly symmetrical linear
high molecule where the CF.sub.2 is repeated simply. Moreover, the
symmetry of molecules is such that they are highly non-polar high
molecules and the cohesive force between the molecules is extremely
weak. Furthermore, the surface of a molecular chain is very smooth.
The coefficient of friction is low due to the weak cohesive force
between the molecules and less unevenness on surface of the
molecular chain. PTFE being very soft and the cohesive force
between the molecules being very weak, the molecules of PTFE tend
to slip from one another. Due to this sliding, the resistance due
to friction of PTFE with many other materials can be reduced. While
using this, it is desirable that the coefficient of static friction
of the surface of the photosensitive drum is not more than 0.4,
considering the cleaning of the toner and additives remained on the
surface of the photosensitive drum. It is more desirable that the
coefficient of static friction of the surface of the photosensitive
drum is in a range of 0.3 to 0.1. If the coefficient of static
friction is more than 0.4, the friction between the cleaning blade
and the photosensitive drum is more, thereby resulting in bending
of the blade and resonance due to vibrations in the blade. If the
coefficient of static friction is less than 0.1, the cleaning blade
slips on the surface of the photosensitive drum and the toner slips
through the photosensitive drum and the cleaning blade.
[0065] The coefficient of static friction of the photosensitive
drum 1 was measured by Euler's method as mentioned below. FIG. 5 is
an illustration of measurement of the coefficient of static
friction of the photosensitive drum. In this case, a good quality
paper of medium thickness is stretched as a belt over one fourth of
a circumference of the photosensitive drum longitudinally in the
direction of pulling, a weight of 98 N (100 gm) is suspended from
one side of the belt and a force gauge installed on the other end
is pulled, and a load when the belt is moved is read out to be
substituted in a following relation:
.mu.=2/.pi..times.1n(F/0.98) (1)
[0066] where, .mu. is a coefficient of static friction and F is a
measured value.
[0067] The cleaning unit in the present invention may be installed
in the process cartridge. In the process cartridge in which the
cleaning unit in the present invention is used, the photosensitive
drum 1, which is an image carrier and the cleaning unit that
removes toner carried to the photosensitive drum 1, are supported
integrally. The process cartridge is detachable from the image
forming apparatus and is provided with the cleaning unit 8 that is
disposed in a position. The cleaning blade 8a reduces the peak
temperature of tan .delta. on lower side of not more than 2.degree.
C., thereby reducing the change in temperature while scraping the
photosensitive drum 1 in environmental conditions of wide range in
which the process cartridge is used. Due to this, resonance,
chattering, and bending of the blade at a high temperature can be
suppressed, thereby preventing a faulty image resulted from the
improper cleaning.
[0068] Furthermore, the cleaning unit in the present invention may
also be installed in an image forming apparatus. The image forming
apparatus 100 in the present invention includes the photosensitive
drum 1, which is an image carrier that forms an electrostatic
latent image, the charging unit 2 that charges the surface of the
photosensitive drum 1 uniformly, the exposing unit 3 that
irradiates the laser beam 3a on the surface of the charged
photosensitive drum 1 based on the image data and writes an
electrostatic latent image, the toner unit 4 that supplies toner to
the electrostatic latent image that is formed on the surface of the
photosensitive drum 1 and forms a visualized image, the
transferring unit 6 that transfers the visualized image on the
surface of the photosensitive drum 1 to a recording paper, cleaning
unit 8 that cleans the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 after
having transferred the image. The cleaning unit 8 explained earlier
is mentioned in this image forming apparatus 100. The cleaning
blade 8a reduces the peak temperature of tan .delta. on lower side
of not more than 2.degree. C., thereby reducing the change in
temperature while scraping the photosensitive drum 1 in
environmental conditions of wide range in which the image forming
apparatus is used. Due to this, resonance, chattering, and bending
of the blade at a high temperature can be suppressed thereby
preventing a faulty image resulted from improper cleaning. Thus,
the toner and additive adhered on the surface of the photosensitive
drum 1 can be removed regularly over a long period of time before
the photosensitive drum 1 reaches the end of its life, thereby
preventing formation of low quality image having a white patch in
the beta image.
[0069] Anyone of a two-component developer consisting of a magnetic
carrier and a toner, a magnetic one-component developer, and a
non-magnetic one-component developer may be used in the image
forming apparatus 100. Although the toner used in this embodiment
is a toner prepared by dry pulverization after melting and
kneading, it may also be a toner prepared by wet polymerization in
a solvent.
[0070] The wet polymerization may be any one of a suspension
polymerization method, an emulsion polymerization method, and a
flocculation (agglomeration) method. However, it is desirable to
use a toner prepared by allowing to disperse a toner material
consisting of a prepolymer, a polyester, a colorant, and a mold
releasing agent into an aqueous solvent in the presence of fine
particles of resin and allowing to undergo polyaddition
reaction.
[0071] The ingredients of a toner to be used in the image forming
apparatus 100 and the method of preparation are explained
below.
[0072] All known dyes and pigments can be used as a colorant. For
example, carbon black, nigrosine dye, iron black, naphthol yellow
S, hanza yellow (10G, 5G, and G), cadmium yellow, yellow iron
oxide, ocher, chrome yellow, titan yellow, polyazo yellow, oil
yellow, hanza yellow (GR, A, RN, and R), pigment yellow L,
benzidine yellow (G and GR), permanent yellow (NCG), vulcun fast
yellow (5G and R), tartrazine lake, quinoline yellow lake,
anthrazan yellow BGL, isoindolinone yellow, bengala (Indian red),
red lead (minium), vermilion lead, cadmium red, cadmium mercury
red, antimony red, permanent red 4R, para red, p-chloro o-nitro
aniline red, lithol fast scarlet G, brilliant fast scarlet,
brilliant carmine BS, permanent red (F2R, F4R, FRL, FRLL, F4RH),
fast scarlet VD, vulcun fast rubin B, brilliant scarlet G, lithol
rubin GX, permanent red F5R, brilliant carmine 6B, pigment scarlet
3B, bordeaux 5B, toluedine maroon, permanent bordeaux F2K, helio
bordeaux BL, bordeaux 10B, bon maroon light, bon maroon medium,
eosin lake, rhodamine lake B, rhodamine rake Y, alizarine lake,
thioindigo red, thioindigo maroon, oil red, quinacridone red,
pyrazolone red, polyazo red, chrome vermilion, benzidine orange,
perynone orange, oil orange, cobalt blue, cerulian blue, alkali
blue lake, peacock blue lake, victoria blue lake, metal-free
phthalocyanine blue, phthalocyanine blue, fast sky blue,
indanthrene blue (RS and BC), indigo, ultramarine blue, prussian
blue, anthraquinone blue, fast violet B, methyl violet lake, cobalt
violet, manganese violet, dioxane violet, anthraquinone violet,
chrome green, zinc green, chromium oxide, pyridian (viridian),
emerald green, pigment green B, naphthol green B, green gold, acid
green lake, malachite green lake, phthalocyanine green,
anthraquinone green, titanium oxide, Chinese white (zinc oxide),
lithopone, and mixtures of these can be used as pigments and dyes.
The content of colorant in a toner is normally from 1 weight
percent to 15 weight percent of that of the toner, the desirable
content being from 3 weight percent to 10 weight percent.
[0073] The colorant can also be used as a master batch mixed with a
resin. Examples of binder resin to be kneaded with the master batch
or used in the preparation of the master batch are, styrenes like
polystyrene, poly-p-chlorostyrene, polyvinyl toluene and polymers
of their substitutes, or copolymers of these with a vinyl compound,
polymethyl metacrylate, polybutyl metacrylate, polyvinyl chloride,
polyvinyl acetate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, epoxy
resins, epoxy polyol resins, polyurethane, polyamides, polyvinyl
butyral, polyacrylic resins, rosin, modified resin terpene resins,
aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon resins, chlorinated paraffins,
paraffin wax etc. which can be used solely or by mixing.
[0074] The polyester is obtained by a polycondensation reaction of
a polyhydric alcohol compound with a polyhydric carboxylic acid
compound.
[0075] The examples of the polyhydric alcohol compounds (PO) are
dihydric alcohols (DIO) and polyhydric alcohols not below a
trihydric alcohol (TO). The dihydric alcohol (DIO) alone or a
mixture of a small quantity of trihydric alcohol (TO) with a
dihydric alcohol (DIO) is desirable. The examples of dihydric
alcohol (DIO) are, alkylene glycols (e. g. ethylene glycol,
1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, and
1,6-hexanediol), alkylene ether glycols (e. g. diethylene glycol,
triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol,
polypropylene glycol, and polytetramethylene ether glycol),
alicyclic diols (e.g. 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol and hydrogen
additive bisphenol A), bisphenols (e.g. bisphenol A, bisphenol F,
and bisphenol S), adducts of alkylene oxides of these alicyclic
diols (e.g. ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and butylene oxide),
adducts of alkylene oxides of the phenols (e.g. ethylene oxide,
propylene oxide, and butylene oxide). The adducts of alkylene
oxides of the bisphenols and alkylene glycol having a carbon number
from 2 to 12 are desirable. The adducts of alkylene oxides of
bisphenols and the adducts of alkylene oxides of bisphenols
together with the alkylene glycol having a carbon number from 2 to
12 are particularly desirable. Examples of polyhydric alcohols not
below trivalent alcohols (TO) are polyhydric aliphatic alcohols
from trivalent to octavalent alcohols and above (e.g. glycerin,
trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, and
sorbitol), phenols not below trivalent phenols (e.g. trisphenol PA,
phenol novolak, and cresol novolak), and adducts of alkylene oxides
of polyphenols not below trivalent polyphenols.
[0076] Examples of polyhydric carboxylic acid (PC) are dihydric
carboxylic acid (DIC) and polyhydric carboxylic acids (TC) not
below trivalent carboxylic acid. The dihydric carboxylic acid (DIC)
alone or a mixture of a small quantity of trihydric carboxylic acid
(TC) with a dihydric carboxylic acid (DIC) is desirable. The
examples of dihydric carboxylic acid are, alkylene dicarboxylic
acids (e.g. succinic acid, adipic acid, and sebacic acid),
alkenylene dicarboxylic acids (e.g. maleic acid and fumaric acid),
and aromatic dicarboxylic acids (e.g. phthalic acid, isophthalic
acid, terephthalic acid, and naphthaline dicarboxylic acid). Among
these, the alkenylene dicarboxylic acids having a carbon number
from 4 to 20 and the aromatic dicarboxylic acids having a carbon
number from 8 to 20 are desirable. The examples of the polyhydric
carboxylic acids not below trivalent carboxylic acid are aromatic
polyhydric carboxylic acids having a carbon number from 9 to 20
(e.g. trimellitic acid and pyromellitic acid). The acid anhydrides
and low alkyl esters of these can be used as polyhydric carboxylic
acids and may be allowed to react with the polyhydric alcohols
(PO).
[0077] The ratio of the polyhydric alcohol (PO) and the polyhydric
carboxylic acid (PC) is an equivalent ratio [OH]/[COOH] of a
hydroxyl group [OH group] and a carboxyl group [COOH group] and is
generally in a range of 2/1 to 1/1. The desirable ratio is in a
range of 5/1 to 1/1 and a range of 1.3/1 to 1.02/1 is particularly
desirable.
[0078] The polycondensation reaction of the polyhydric alcohol (PO)
with the polyhydric carboxylic acid (PC) is carried out by allowing
to react the two in the presence of a known esterification catalyst
and the mixture is heated up to 150.degree. C. to 280.degree. C.
The pressure is reduced if necessary and the water generated is
removed by evaporation. Thus, polyester that uses a hydroxyl group
is obtained. It is desirable that a hydroxyl value of the polyester
is not less than 4 and an acid value of polyester is in a range of
1 to 30 normally, the desirable acid value being in a range of 5 to
20. Imparting of an acid value tend to charge it negatively and
when fixed on a recording medium, due to good affinity between the
recording medium and the toner, there is a better fixing at a low
temperature. However, if an acid value is more than 30, it results
in instable charging, particularly tending to be deteriorated
according to change in the environment.
[0079] Moreover, the weight average molecular weight is in a range
of 10,000 to 400,000, the desirable range being 20,000 to 200,000.
If the weight average molecular weight is less than 10,000, there
is a deterioration of offset resistance hence it is not desirable.
On the other hand, if the weight average molecular weight is more
than 400,000, the fixing at low a temperature is affected, hence it
is not desirable.
[0080] A urea-modified polyester is included in polyester apart
from non-modified polyester obtained by the polycondensation
reaction. The urea-modified polyester is obtained by allowing to
react either a carboxyl group or a hydroxyl group at a terminal of
the polyester that is obtained by polycondensation reaction, with
polyhydric isocyanate compound (PIC), thereby obtaining a polyester
prepolymer (A) having an isocyanate group. When this polyester
prepolymer is allowed to undergo polyaddition reaction with an
amine, there is an extension of a molecular chain and the urea
polyester is obtained.
[0081] Examples of polyhydric isocyanate compounds (PIC) are
aliphatic polyhydric isocyanates (e.g. tetramethylene diisocyanate,
hexamethylene diisocyanate, and 2,6-diisocyanate methyl caproate),
alicyclic polyisocyanates (e.g. isophorone diisocyanate and
cyclohexylmethane diisocyanate), aromatic diisocyanates (e.g.
tolylene diisocyanate and diphenylmethane diisocyanate), aromatic
aliphatic diisocyanates (e.g.
.alpha.,.alpha.,.alpha.',.alpha.'-tetramethylxylylene
diisocyanate), isocyanurates, compounds formed by blocking of these
polyisocyanates by a phenol derivative, an oxime, and a
caprolactum, and combination of more than any one of these.
[0082] The ratio of the polyhydric isocyanate compound (PIC) is an
equivalent ratio [NCO]/[OH] of an isocyanate group [NCO] and a
hydroxyl group [OH] of a polyester and is generally in a range of
5/1 to 1/1. The desirable ratio is in a range of 4/1 to 1.2/1 and a
range of 2.5/1 to 1.5/1 is particularly desirable. If the ratio of
[NCO]/[OH] is more than 5, the fixing of an image at a low
temperature is affected. If the mole ratio of [NCO] is less than 1,
in a case where urea non-modified polyester is used, the urea
content in the ester becomes low, thereby affecting the offset
resistance.
[0083] The content of the polyhydric isocyanate compound (PIC) in
the polyester prepolymer (A) having an isocyanate group, is
normally in a range of 0.5 weight percent to 40 weight percent. The
desirable range of the content of the polyhydric isocyanate
compound is 1 weight percent to 30 weight percent and a range of 2
weight percent to 20 weight percent is more desirable. If the
content of the polyhydric isocyanate compound is less than 0.5
weight percent, the hot offset resistance is deteriorated and it is
unfavorable from point of view of compatibility of heat conserving
resistance and fixing at a low temperature. On the other hand, if
the content of the polyhydric isocyanate compound is more than 40
weight percent, there is a deterioration of fixing at a low
temperature.
[0084] The content of the isocyanate group per molecule in the
polyester prepolymer (A) having an isocyanate group is normally 1.
The desirable range of the content of the isocyanate group is on
average 1.5 to 3 and a range of 1.8 to 2.5 is more desirable. If
the content of the isocyanate group per molecule is less than 1,
then the molecular weight of the urea-modified polyester becomes
low and the hot offset resistance is deteriorated.
[0085] Further, the examples of amine (B) that is allowed to react
with the polyester prepolymer are dihydric amine compound (B1),
polyhydric amine compound (B2) not below trivalent amines,
aminoalcohol (B3), aminomercaptan (B4), amino acid (B5), and
compound (B6) in which the amino groups from B1 to B5 are
blocked.
[0086] The examples of dihydric amine compound (B1) are, aromatic
diamines (e.g. phenylene diamine, diethylene diamine, and
4,4'-diaminodiphenyl methane), alicyclic diamines (e.g.
4,4'-diamino-3,3'-dimethyldicyclohexyl- methane, diamine
cyclohexane, and isophorone diamine), and aliphatic diamines (e.g.
ethylene diamine, tetramethylene diamine, and hexamethylene
diamine. The examples of polyhydric amine compound (B2) not below
trivalent amines are diethylene triamine and triethylene tetramine.
The examples of aminoalcohol (B3) are ethanolamine and
hydroxyethylaniline. The examples of aminomercaptan (B4) are
aminoethyl mercaptan and aminopropyl mercaptan. The examples of
amino acid (B5) are aminopropionic acid and caproic acid. The
examples of compound (B6) in which the amino groups from B1 to B5
are blocked are, ketimine compounds and oxazolidine compounds
obtained from the amines in B1 to B5 above ketones (e.g. acetone,
methyl ethyl ketone, and methyl isobutyl ketone). The desirable
amines among the amines (B) are B1 and a mixture of B1 with a small
amount of B2.
[0087] The ratio of amines is an equivalent ratio [NCO]/[NHx] of an
isocyanate group [NCO] in the polyester prepolymer (A) having an
isocyanate group and an amine group [NHx] in the amines (B) and is
generally in a range of 1/2 to 2/1. The desirable ratio is in a
range of 1.5/1 to 1/1.5 and a range of 1.2/1 to 1/1.2 is
particularly desirable. If the ratio of [NCO]/[NHx] is greater than
2 or less than 1/2, the molecular weight of the urea-modified
polyester decreases and the hot offset resistance is
deteriorated.
[0088] Moreover, a urethane bond may be included together with a
urea bond in the urea-modified polyester. The mole ratio of the
urea bond content and the urethane bond content is normally in a
range of 100/0 to 10/90. The desirable ratio is in a range of 80/20
to 20/80 and a range of 60/40 to 30/70 is more desirable. If the
mole ratio of the urea bond is less than 10 percent, the hot offset
resistance is deteriorated.
[0089] The urea-modified polymer is manufactured by a method like a
one-shot method. A polyhydric alcohol (PO) and a polyhydric
carboxylic acid (PC) are heated up to 150.degree. C. to 280.degree.
C. in the presence of a known esterification catalyst like
tetrabutoxy titanate and dibutyl tin oxide. The pressure is reduced
if necessary and the water generated is removed by evaporation.
Thus, polyester having a hydroxyl group is obtained. Further, the
polyester is heated up to 40.degree. C. to 140.degree. C. and a
polyhydric isocyanate (PIC) is allowed to react with the heated
polyester to obtain a polyester prepolymer (A) having an isocyanate
group. Furthermore, an amine (B) is allowed to react with this
polyester prepolymer (A) at a temperature from 0.degree. C. to
140.degree. C. to obtain a urea-modified polyester.
[0090] A solvent can be used if necessary while allowing to react
PIC as well as (A) and (B). The examples of a solvent that can be
used are aromatic solvents (e.g. toluene and xylene), ketones (e.g.
acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and methyl isobutyl ketone), esters
(e.g. ethyl acetate), amines (e.g. dimethyl formamide, and dimethyl
acetoamide), and ethers (e.g. tetrahydrofuran) that are inert to
isocyanate (PIC).
[0091] Furthermore, for the extension reaction of a polyester
prepolymer (A) with an amine (B), an extension inhibitor can be
used if necessary, to adjust the molecular weight of the
urea-modified polyester that is obtained. The examples of the
extension inhibitor are monoamines (e.g. diethylamine,
dibutylamine, butylamine, and laurylamine) and compounds in which
these are blocked (ketimine compounds).
[0092] The weight average molecular weight of the urea-modified
polyester is normally not less than 10,000. The desirable weight
average molecular weight is in a range of 20,000 to 10,000,000 and
the weight average molecular weight in a range of 30,000 to
10,000,000 is more desirable. If the weight average molecular
weight is less than 10,000, the hot offset resistance is
deteriorated. The number average molecular weight of the
urea-modified polyester is not restricted only in a case of using
the non-modified polyester mentioned earlier and may be a number
average molecular weight that is suitable to obtain the weight
average molecular weight. If the urea-modified polyester is used
solely, the number average molecular weight is normally in a range
of 2,000 to 15,000. The desirable range is from 2,000 to 10,000 and
a range of 2,000 to 8,000 is more desirable. If the number average
molecular weight is greater than 20,000, the fixing at a low
temperature and the gloss when a full color unit is used, are
deteriorated.
[0093] Since the fixing at a low temperature and the gloss when a
full color unit is used, are improved by using a non-modified
polyester and a urea-modified polyester, it is more desirable to
use them together rather than using the urea-modified polyester
solely. Furthermore, a non-modified polyester may contain a
polyester modified by a chemical bond other than the urea bond.
[0094] It is desirable that the non-modified polyester and the
urea-modified polyester are at least partly compatible from the
point of view of the fixing at a low temperature and the hot offset
resistance. For this, it is desirable that the non-modified
polyester and the urea-modified polyester have similar
composition
[0095] The weight ratio of the non-modified polyester and the
urea-modified polyester is normally in a range of 20/80 to 95/5.
The desirable weight ratio is in a range of 70/30 to 95/5 and a
range of 75/25 to 95/5 is more desirable. The most desirable weight
ratio is in a range of 80/20 to 93/7. If the weight ratio of the
urea-modified polyester is less than 5 percent, it results in
deterioration of the hot offset resistance and it is unfavorable
from point of view of compatibility of heat conserving resistance
and fixing at a low temperature.
[0096] The glass transition point (Tg) of a binder resin that
includes a non-modified polyester and a urea-modified polyester is
normally in a range of 45.degree. C. to 65.degree. C. The desirable
range is from 45.degree. C. to 60.degree. C. If the glass
transition point is below 45.degree. C., the heat resistance of the
toner is deteriorated and if the glass transition point is above
65.degree. C., it results in insufficient fixing at a low
temperature.
[0097] Since the urea-modified polyester tend to exist on the
surface of the host particles of the toner obtained, even if the
glass transition point is lower as compared to that of the known
polyester based toners, it has a tendency to have good heat
conserving resistance.
[0098] The known charge controlling agents that can be used are
nigrosin based dyes, triphenylmethane based dyes, chrome contained
metal complex dyes, molybdic acid chelate pigments, rhodamine based
pigments, alkoxy amines, quaternary ammonium salts (including
fluorine modified quaternary ammonium salts), alkyl amines, simple
substances or compounds of phosphorus, simple substances or
compounds of tungsten, fluorine based activating agents, metal
salts of salicylic acid, and metal salts of salicylic acid
derivatives etc. The concrete examples are BONTRON 03 as a nigrosin
based dye, BONTRON P-51 as a quaternary ammonium salt, BONTRON S-34
as metal contained azo pigments, E-82 as an oxynaphtholic acid
based metal complex, E-84 as a salicylic acid based metal complex,
E-89 as a phenol based condensate (all manufactured by ORIENT
CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES, LTD.), TP-302 and TP-415 (manufactured by
HODOGAYA CHEMICAL COMPANY, LTD.) as quaternary ammonium salt
molybdenum complexes, COPY CHARGE PSY VP2038 as a quaternary
ammonium salt, COPY BLUE-PR as a derivative of triphenylmethane,
and COPY CHARGE NEG VP 2036 and COPY CHARGE NX VP 434 as quaternary
ammonium salts (all manufactured by HOECHST CO., LTD.), LR-147 as a
boron complex (manufactured by JAPAN CARLIT CO., LTD.), copper
phthalocyanine, perylene, quinacridone, azo based pigments, and
compounds having high molecules having other sulfonic groups,
carboxyl groups, and functional groups having quaternary ammonium
salt. Among these, the materials that control (charge) the toner
negatively are particularly desirable. The quantity of the charge
controlling agent is determined by a type of a binder resin that is
used, presence or absence of any additive used according to need, a
method of manufacturing of toner including a method of dispersion,
and is not restricted to a fixed quantity. The desirable quantity
is in a range of 0.1 to 10 parts of weight per 100 parts of weight
of a binder resin. The more desirable range is from 0.2 to 5 parts
of weight. If the quantity is more than 10 parts of weight, there
is an excessive charging of the toner and deteriorates the effect
of the charge controlling agent. Moreover, the electrostatic
absorption force of the developing roller increases, thereby
affecting the fluidity of the developer and the image density.
[0099] A wax having a low melting point in a range of 50.degree. C.
to 120.degree. C. functions effectively between the fixing roller
and surface of toner as a good mold releasing agent during
dispersion with a binder resin. Due to this effective functioning
of wax, there is no need to apply a mold releasing agent as oil to
the fixing roller and the high temperature offset is improved. The
examples of wax are, vegetable wax like carnauba wax, cotton wax,
haze wax (Japanese wax), rice wax, animal wax like bees wax and
lanolin, mineral wax like ozokerite, selsyn, and petroleum wax like
paraffin, micro crystalline, petrolatum. Other examples of wax
apart from these natural waxes are synthetic hydrocarbon wax like
Fischer Tropsch wax, polyethylene wax and synthetic wax like
esters, ketones, and ethers. Furthermore, 12-hydroxy stearic acid
amides, stearic acid amides, phthalic anhydride imide, fatty acid
amides of chlorinated hydrocarbon, and homopolymers or copolymers
(e.g. copolymers of n-stearyl acrylate-ethyl methacrylate) of
poly-n-stearyl methacrylate, poly-n-lauryl methacrylate, that are
crystalline high polymer resins having a low molecular weight and
crystalline high polymers having a long alkyl group in a side chain
can also be used.
[0100] Inorganic fine particles are desirably used as an external
additive to assist the fluidity, developing, and charging of the
toner particles. The primary particle size of these inorganic fine
particles is in a range of 5.times.10.sup.-3 micrometers to 2
micrometers and the desirable range is from 5.times.10.sup.-3
micrometers to 0.5 micrometers. Further, it is desirable that the
specific surface area according to BET method is in a range of 20
m.sup.2 to 500 m.sup.2. It is desirable that the proportion of the
inorganic fine particles to be used is in a range of 0.01 weight
percent to 5 weight percent of the toner and a range of 0.01 weight
percent to 2.0 weight percent is particularly desirable.
[0101] The concrete examples of inorganic fine particles are
silica, alumina, titanium oxide, barium titanate, magnesium
titanate, calcium titanate, strontium titanate, zinc oxide, tin
oxide, silica sand, clay, mica, wollastonite, diatomaceous earth,
chromium oxide, ceric oxide, red oxide, antimony trioxide,
magnesium oxide, zirconium oxide, barium sulfate, barium carbonate,
calcium carbonate, silicon carbide, and silicon nitride. It is
desirable to use hydrophobic silica fine particles together with
hydrophobic titanium oxide fine particles as a fluidity imparting
agent. Particularly, if a compound having an average particle size
of both the fine particles less than 5.times.10.sup.-2 micrometers
is used and stirred to mix, the electrostatic force and the van der
Waals force of the toner increases remarkably. Due to this, even by
stirring and mixing inside the developing unit that is carried out
to achieve the desired level of charging, the fluidity imparting
agent is not detached from the toner. Therefore, a good image
quality without any bright spot can be obtained and the amount of
toner remained after the transferring of the image can be
reduced.
[0102] Although the fine particles of titanium oxide are
environmentally stable and have very stable image density, there is
a tendency of deteriorating the charging start up characteristics.
For this reason, if the quantity added of the fine particles of
titanium oxide is more than that of fine particles of silica, the
side effect is supposed to be more. However, with the quantity of
addition of hydrophobic fine particles of silica and hydrophobic
titanium oxide fine particles in a range of 0.3 weight percent to
1.5 weight percent, the charging start up characteristics are not
affected to a great extent and the desired charging start up
characteristics can be achieved. That is to say that a stable image
quality can be achieved even when a copy is repeated.
[0103] The distribution of hardness of the toner can be obtained by
analyzing the constitutive elements included in it. A polyester
resin with a urethane bonding having more number of N is hard and
this can be confirmed by measuring the composition distribution by
an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). By hardening the surface
of toner, even in a case of use for long time, the blocking is
prohibited. Moreover, the stirring and mixing can be improved by
improving the fluidity of toner particles. Since the hard toner
surface signifies that the external additive cannot be penetrated
into the surface of the toner, even if it is stirred for a long
time in the developing unit 4, the stable fluidity and the charging
characteristics can be maintained. Furthermore, by reducing the
hardness of the inner side, the surface of the toner is ruptured by
heat and pressure during fixing and can be deformed easily. Due to
this, the fixing can be improved by allowing to expose the inner
side of toner that includes the mold releasing agent.
[0104] Moreover, in the toner used in the image forming apparatus
100 in the present invention, the weight ratio of the charge
controlling agent on the surface of the toner and that in the
overall toner is in a range of 100 to 1,000. The charge controlling
agent can be placed on the surface of the toner by mixing and
stirring the charge controlling agent with the host particles. This
also, can be confirmed by measuring the composition distribution by
the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It desirable to use a
charge controlling agent that has same polarity as the charging
polarity of the toner. Thus, by allowing the host particles of the
toner and the external additive to have same charging
characteristics, the charging start up is accelerated, thereby
narrowing the extent of charging distribution. In this way, an
image of a good quality can be achieved by reducing an excessive
concentration of the toner at a particular point during
replenishing the toner.
[0105] Following is the explanation of a method for manufacturing
the toner. The method explained here is a desirable method and the
manufacturing of the toner is not restricted to this method
only.
[0106] (Method of Manufacturing the Toner)
[0107] 1) A toner material solution is prepared by allowing to
disperse a colorant, a non-modified polyester, a polyester
prepolymer having an isocyanate group, and a mold releasing agent
in an organic solvent.
[0108] It is desirable to have a volatile organic solvent having a
boiling point below 100.degree. C. since the removal after forming
of the host particles of the toner is easy. Concretely, toluene,
xylene, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, methylene chloride,
1,2-dichloromethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, trichloroethylene,
chloroform, monochlorobenzene, dichloroethylidine, methyl acetate,
ethyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone etc. can
be used solely or a combination of more than one of these.
Particularly, aromatic solvents of toluene, xylene etc. and halogen
hydrocarbons of methylene chloride, 1,2-dichloroethane, chloroform,
carbon tetrachloride etc. are desirable. The amount of the organic
solvent to be used is normally in a range of 0 to 300 parts of
weight per 100 parts of weight of the polyester prepolymer. The
desirable amount is in a range of 0 to 100 parts of weight and a
range of 25 to 27 parts of weight is more desirable.
[0109] The toner material is emulsified in an aqueous medium in the
presence of a surfactant and fine particles of resin.
[0110] An aqueous medium may be solely water or an aqueous medium
containing an organic solvent like an alcohol (methanol, isopropyl
alcohol, ethylene glycol etc.), dimethyl formamide,
tetrahydrofuran, a cellosorb (methyl cellosorb etc.), a lower
ketone (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone etc.).
[0111] The amount to be used of an aqueous medium per 100 parts of
weight of the toner material solution is normally in a range of 50
to 2000 parts of weight and it is desirable to have this amount in
a range of 100 to 1000 parts of weight. If the amount is less than
50 parts of weight, it affects the dispersion of the toner material
solution and toner particles of prescribed particle size cannot be
obtained. An amount of more than 2,000 is not economical.
[0112] Further, to improve the dispersion in the aqueous medium, an
appropriate dispersing agent like a surfactant, fine particles of
resin are added.
[0113] The examples of a surfactant are anionic surfactants like
alkyl benzene sulfonate, .alpha.-olefin sulfonate, ester phosphate,
an amine salts like alkyl amine salts, aminoalcohol fatty acid
derivatives, polyamine fatty acid derivatives, imidazoline,
cationic surfactants of quaternary ammonium salt types like alkyl
trimethyl ammonium salts, dialkyl dimethyl ammonium salts, alkyl
dimethyl benzyl ammonium salts, pyridinium salts, alkyl
isoquinolinium salts, benzethonium chloride, nonionic surfactants
of fatty acid amide derivatives and polyhydric alcohol derivatives
like alanine, dodecyl di (aminoethyl) glycine, di (octylaminoethyl)
glycine and ampholytic surfactants like N-alkyl-N, N-dimethyl
ammonium betaine etc.
[0114] Furthermore, by using a surfactant having a fluoroalkyl
group, a desired effect can be achieved with a very small quantity.
The examples of desirable anionic surfactants having a fluoroalkyl
group are fluoroalkyl carboxylic acids and their metal salts having
a carbon number from 2 to 10, disodium perfluorooctane sulfonyl
glutamate, sodium 3-[.omega.-fluoroalkyl (C6 to C11) oxy]-1-alkyl
(C3 to C4) sulfonate, sodium 3-[.omega.-fluoroalkanoyl (C6 to
C8)-N-ethylamino]-1-propane sulfonate, fluoroalkyl (C11 to C20)
carboxylic acid and its metal salts, perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid
(C7 to C13) and its metal salts, perfluoroalkyl (C4 to C12)
sulfonic acid and its metal salts, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid
diethanolamide, N-propyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl) perfluorooctane
sulfonamide, perfluoroalkyl (C6 to C10) sulfonamide propyltrimethyl
ammonium salts, perfluoroalkyl (C6 to C10)-N-ethylsulfonyl glycine
salts, ester mono-perfluoroalkyl (C6 to C16) ethyl phosphate.
[0115] The examples of commercial products available are SURFLON
S-111, S-112, S113 (manufactured by ASAHI GLASS CO., LTD.), FLUORAD
FC-93, FC-95, FC-98, FC-129 (manufactured by SUMITOMO 3M CO.,
LTD.), UNIDINE DS-101, DS-102 (manufactured by DAIKIN INDUSTRIES,
LTD.), MEGAFACE F-110, F-120, F-113, F-191, F-812, F-833
(manufactured by DAI NIPPON INK & CHEMICALS, INC.), EKTOP
EF-102, 103, 104, 105, 112, 123A, 123B, 306A, 501, 201, 204
(manufactured by TOCHEM PRODUCTS CO., LTD.), and FTERGENT F-100 and
F150 (manufactured by NEOS CO., LTD).
[0116] The examples of cationic surfactants are primary aliphatic,
secondary aliphatic or secondary amino acid having a fluoroalkyl
group, quaternary aliphatic ammonium salts like perfluoroalkyl (C6
to C10) sulfonamide propyltrimethyl ammonium salt etc.,
benzalkonium salts, benzethonium chloride, pyridinium salts,
imidazolinium salts. The examples of commercial products are
SURFLON S-121 (manufactured by ASAHI GLASS CO., LTD.), FLUORAD
FC-135 (manufactured by SUMITOMO 3M CO., LTD.), UNIDINE DS-202
(manufactured by DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.), MEGAFACE F-150 and F-824
manufactured by DAI NIPPON INK & CHEMICALS, INC.), EKTOP EF-132
(manufactured by TOCHEM PRODUCTS CO., LTD.), FTERGENT F-300
(manufactured by NEOS CO., LTD).
[0117] The fine particles of resin are added to stabilize the host
particles of toner that are formed in the aqueous medium.
Therefore, it is desirable that the fine particles of resin are
added to make 10 to 90 percent covering on the surface of the host
particles of the toner. The examples are fine particles of methyl
polymethacrylate having a particle size of 1 micrometer and 3
micrometers, fine particles of polystyrene having a particle size
of 0.5 micrometers and 2 micrometers, fine particles of poly
(styrene-acryinitrile) having a particle size of 1 micrometer. The
examples of commercial products are PB-200H (manufactured by KAO
CORPORATION), SGP (manufactured by SOKEN CO., LTD.), TECHPOLYMER-SB
(manufactured by SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD.), SGP-3G (manufactured
by SOKEN CO., LTD.), and MICROPEARL (manufactured by SEKISUI FINE
CHEMICAL CO., LTD.).
[0118] Moreover, inorganic dispersing agents like calcium
phosphate-tribasic, calcium carbonate, titanium oxide, colloidal
silica, and hydroxyapatite can also be used.
[0119] The dispersion droplets may be stabilized by a high polymer
protective colloid as a dispersing agent that can be used both as
fine particles of resin and of an inorganic dispersing agent. For
example acids like acrylic acid, methacrylic acid,
.alpha.-cyanoacrylic acid, .alpha.-cyanomethacrylic acid, itaconic
acid, crotonic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid or anhydrous maleic
acid, or (metha) acrylic monomers that include a hydroxyl group
like, .beta.-hydroxyethyl acrylate, .beta.-hydroxyethyl
methacrylate, .beta.-hydroxypropyl acrylate, .beta.-hydroxypropyl
methacrylate, .gamma.-hydroxypropyl acrylate, .gamma.-hydroxypropyl
methacrylate, 3-chloro 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate, 3-chloro
2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate, diethyleneglycol monoacrylic ester,
diethyleneglycol monomethacrylic ester, glycerine monoacrylic
ester, glycerine monomethacrylic ester, N-methylol acrylamide,
N-methylol methacrylamide, vinyl alcohols or ethers of vinyl
alcohols like vinyl methyl ether, vinyl ethyl ether, vinyl propyl
ether, or esters of compounds that include a vinyl alcohol or a
carboxyl group like vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, vinyl
butyrate, acrylamides, methacrylamides, diacetoneacrylamide or
their methylol compounds, acid chlorides like an acrylic acid
chloride, a methacrylic acid chloride, nitrogenous substances like
vinyl pyridine, vinyl pyrrolidine, vinyl imidazole, ethyleneimine
and homopolymers or copolymers of compounds having the heterocycles
of these substances, polyoxyethylenes like polyoxyethylene,
polyoxypropylene, polyoxyethylene alkylamine, polyoxypropylene
alkylamine, polyoxyethylene alkylamide, polyoxypropylene
alkylamide, polyoxyethylene nonylphenyl ether, polyoxyethylene
lauryl ether, polyoxyethylene stearylphenyl ester, celluloses like
methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose
etc. are used.
[0120] The dispersion method is not restricted and a known
apparatus like low-speed shearing disperser, high-speed shearing
disperser, friction disperser, high-pressure jet disperser, and
ultrasonic disperser can be used. Among these, the high-speed
shearing disperser is desirable to make the particle size of a
dispersing element from 2 micrometers to 20 micrometers. If the
high-speed shearing disperser is used, the revolutions per minute
(rpm) are not restricted, however, are normally in a range of 1,000
to 30,000 rpm. The desirable range of revolutions per minute is
5,000 to 20,000 rpm. The dispersing time is not restricted
particularly. However, in a case of batch dispersion, the
dispersing time is normally in a range of 0.1 minute to 5 minutes.
The temperature during dispersion is normally in a range of
0.degree. C. to 150.degree. C. and the desirable range of
temperature is 40.degree. C. to 98.degree. C.
[0121] 3) While preparing an emulsified liquid, amine (B) is added
and a polyaddition reaction is allowed to take place with a
polyester prepolymer (A) having an isocyanate group.
[0122] This reaction is also called an extension reaction of
extension of a molecular chain. The reaction time is selected
according to the reactivity of an amine (B) with a structure of an
isocyanate group of the polyester prepolymer (A) and is normally in
a range of 10 minutes to 40 hours. The desirable reaction time is
in a range of 2 hours to 24 hours. The reaction temperature is
normally in a range of 0.degree. C. to 150.degree. C. and the
desirable range of temperature is from 40.degree. C. to 98.degree.
C. Moreover, a known catalyst can be used according to necessity.
Concrete examples of the catalyst are dibutyl tin laurate and
dioctyl tin laurate.
[0123] 4) On completion of the reaction, the organic solvent is
removed from the emulsified dispersing element (reaction compound),
washed, and dried to obtain the host particles of the toner.
[0124] To remove the organic solvent, the whole system is heated up
while laminar flow stirring. Around a particular temperature the
mixture is stirred vigorously and then the fusiform host particles
of the toner are prepared by carrying out diliquoring. Further, if
a compound like calcium phosphate salt, that dissolves in an acid
or an alkali is used an a dispersion stabilizer, after the calcium
phosphate salt is dissolved in an acid like hydrochloric acid, the
calcium phosphate salt is removed from the host particles of the
toner according to a method of cleaning.
[0125] 5) A charge controlling agent is penetrated into the host
particles of toner thus obtained, and inorganic fine particles like
those of silica, titanium oxide etc. are added externally to obtain
the toner. The penetrating of the charge controlling agent and the
addition of the inorganic fine particles are carried out by a known
method using a mixer etc.
[0126] Thus, a toner having a sharp particle size distribution and
with a small particle size can be obtained easily. Moreover, by
vigorous stirring for removing the organic solvent, the size of
particles between perfectly spherical and rugby ball size can be
controlled. Furthermore, the morphology of the surface can also be
controlled between the smooth and the rough.
[0127] Particularly, for the toner used in the image forming unit
100 in the present invention, the surface is made harder than the
inner side. In a toner, that is dry pulverized after melting and
kneading, it is difficult to adjust the hardness of the toner such
that it is in increasing or decreasing order from the center to the
surface of the particle. However, in a wet polymerized toner that
is polymerized in the solvent in the present invention, the
structure in which the hardness of the toner is in increasing or
decreasing order from the center to the surface of the particle can
be imparted easily.
[0128] The desirable volume average particle size of this toner is
in a range of 3 micrometers to 10 micrometers. Smaller is the
particle size, better is the reproducibility of thin lines and a
good image quality can be achieved. If the volume average particle
size is smaller than 3 micrometers, the forming of liquid drops
becomes difficult and if the volume average particle size is bigger
than 10 micrometers, the toner prepared by dry pulverization
becomes cost effective. Moreover, regarding the particle size
distribution, it is desirable that the ratio (Dv/Dn) of the volume
average particle size (Dv) and the number average particle size
(Dn) is in a range of 1.05 to 1.40. Sharpening the particle size
distribution results in making the charging distribution uniform,
thereby enabling to achieve a high quality image having reduced
excessive concentration of toner at a particular point on the
surface of a paper. Furthermore, the ratio of transferring can be
improved. The ratio Dv/Dn of less than 1.05 is difficult from the
manufacturing point of view and a ratio of more than 1.40 results
in widening of the charging distribution, thereby not enabling to
achieve a high quality image.
[0129] The toner has a degree of circularity such that the shape
factor SF-1 is in a range of 100 to 180 and the shape factor SF-2
is in a range of 100 to 190.
[0130] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the toner shape for
explaining the shape factor SF-1 and the shape factor SF-2. The
shape factor SF-1 indicates the proportion of circularity of the
toner particle and is represented by the following formula (3). The
square of the maximum length MXLNG of the shape obtained by
projecting the toner in a two dimensional plane, is divided by the
graphic area AREA and is then multiplied by 100.pi./4 to obtain the
value of the shape factor SF-1.
SF-1={(MXLNG)2/AREA}.times.(100.pi./4) (3)
[0131] When the value of SF-1 is equal to 100, the shape of the
toner is perfectly circular and as the value of SF-1 increases, the
shape goes on becoming indefinite.
[0132] The shape factor SF-2 is a proportion of surface unevenness
of the toner and is represented by the following formula. The
square of the periphery PERI of the shape obtained by projecting
the toner in two-dimensional plane, is divided by the graphic area
AREA and is then multiplied by 100.pi./4 to obtain the value of the
shape factor SF-1.
SF-2={(PERI)2/AREA}.times.(100.pi./4) (4)
[0133] When the value of SF-2 is equal to 100, there is no
unevenness on the surface of the toner and as the value of SF-2
decreases, the surface unevenness of the toner goes on becoming
remarkable.
[0134] The shape factor was measured by taking a picture of the
toner with a scanning electron microscope (S-800 manufactured by
HITACHI SEISAKUSHO), analyzing it with an image analyzer (LUSEX 3
manufactured by NIRECO CO., LTD.), and calculating the shape
factor.
[0135] When the shape of the toner particles is closer to the
circular shape, the contact of the toner particle with the other
toner particle or the contact of the toner particle with an image
carrier 1 is a point contact, which improves the fluidity of the
toner. Thus, the mutual adhesion is deteriorated, the fluidity is
improved thereby improving the transferring rate. However, due to
deterioration of the adhesion power, the toner particles enter the
gap between a cleaning blade 9A and the image carrier 1 and the
cleaning blade 9A can pass easily over the toner particles.
Therefore, it is better to have the shape factors SF-1 and SF-2
greater than 100. Furthermore, as the shape factors SF-1 and SF-3
increase, the toner is scattered on the image, thereby
deteriorating the image quality. For this reason, it is advisable
not to have the shape factor SF-1 greater than 180 and the shape
factor SF-2 greater than 190.
[0136] In such a wet polymerization method, the mold releasing
agent is not exposed on the surface of the toner particles. It is
inside the toner particles and can be dispersed with priority near
to the surface of the toner particles. Particularly, it is
desirable that the proportion of area occupied the mold releasing
agent in the region within 1 micrometer from the surface of the
toner particles is in a range of 5 percent to 40 percent. Due to
this, the softening point is lowered and the soft mold releasing
agent is changed to the magnetic carrier, thereby allowing the life
of the developer to last longer by not hindering the charging of
the toner.
[0137] The magnetic material used in the carrier is a ferrite
including a bivalent metal like iron, magnetite, Mn, Zn, Cu etc.
with a desirable volume average particle size in a range of 20
micrometers to 100 micrometers. If the average particle size is
smaller than 20 micrometers, the carrier is easily adhered to the
photosensitive drum 1 during developing and if the average particle
size is bigger than 100 micrometers, the magnetic material doesn't
mix well with the toner and the toner is not sufficiently charged,
thereby causing defective charging during continuous use. Although
it is desirable that the a copper ferrite that includes zinc is
used as the magnetic material due to its high saturation
magnetization, a suitable magnetic material can be selected
according to the process of the image forming apparatus 100. The
resins that coat the magnetic carrier are not restricted to any
particular resins, and silicone resins, styrene-acrylic resins,
fluorine resins, olefin resins are the examples. In the method of
manufacturing, the coating resin is dissolved in a solvent, sprayed
in the fluid bed, and then coated on the core. In another method of
manufacturing, the resin particles are adhered to the nucleons
electrostatically and then coated by thermal melting. The thickness
of the coated resin is in a range of 0.05 micrometers to 10
micrometers and the desirable range of thickness is from 0.3
micrometers to 4 micrometers.
[0138] A lubricating unit for applying a lubricant can be installed
in the image forming unit 100 in the present invention. FIG. 7A and
FIG. 7B are enlarged schematic views of a lubricating unit 14 in
the image forming apparatus 100. A lubricant in solid form is
fitted to a solenoid 141 as shown in FIG. 7A. This solid lubricant
is in contact with a brush 142 and is applied on the surface of the
photosensitive drum 1 through the brush 142. The solenoid 141 is
put ON and OFF according to a signal from a control section and
varies application of the solid lubricant on the photosensitive
drum. The application of the lubricant on the photosensitive drum
can be adjusted by varying the quantity to be applied by changing
the linear speed ratio of the brush with respect to the
photosensitive drum. A lubricant in solid form is fitted to a
holder 144 and performs up and down movement by rotation of a gear
143 thereby adjusting the quantity of the lubricant to be applied.
The gear 143 is driven by a stepping motor and the quantity of the
lubricant to be applied is varied due to variation in pressure
between the photosensitive drum and the solid lubricant.
[0139] The typical examples of lubricant are given below. However,
the lubricant to be used is not restricted only to these examples.
The examples are metal salts of fatty acids like lead oleate, zinc
oleate, copper oleate, zinc stearate, cobalt stearate, iron
stearate, copper stearate, zinc palmitate, copper palmitate, and
zinc linoleate or fluorine resin particles. The fluorine resin
particles are desirable as lubricant and polytetrafluoroethylene
(PTFE) is more desirable.
[0140] Thus in the cleaning unit in the present embodiment, since
the loss tangent tan .delta. of the cleaning blade is not more than
1 and the temperature peak is not more than 2.degree. C., the
bending of the blade, the resonance and chattering due to the
vibrations of the cleaning blade, can be suppressed. Further, by
reducing the inclination of the loss tangent tan .delta. with
respect to the temperature in the practical temperature range that
is used, the bending of the cleaning blade, the resonance and
chattering due to the vibrations of the blade can be suppressed
even in the environmental conditions of high and low
temperatures.
[0141] In the process cartridge according to the first embodiment,
even in the environmental conditions of high temperature and low
temperature, the cleaning defects can be minimized by suppressing
the bending of the cleaning blade, the resonance and chattering due
to the vibrations of the cleaning blade, thereby making the life of
the process cartridge longer.
[0142] In the image forming apparatus in the present invention,
even in the environmental conditions of high and low temperatures,
the cleaning defects can be minimized by suppressing the bending of
the cleaning blade, the resonance and chattering due to the
vibrations of the cleaning blade, thereby enabling to achieve a
high quality image without any defect like white patch etc.
Moreover, an image having high reproducibility of thin lines and
high transferring rate can be achieved by using a wet polymerized
toner having a small particle size and spherical shaped
particles.
[0143] Modification
[0144] A cleaning unit having two cleaning blades can be installed
in the image forming apparatus 100 in the present invention. FIG. 8
is schematic diagram of the cleaning unit equipped with two
cleaning blades. Two cleaning blades 8a and 8b may be disposed in
either a counter form (directed against the direction of rotation
of the photosensitive drum) or a trailer form (directed in the
direction of rotation of the photosensitive drum). Although the two
cleaning blades are in the same cleaning unit, they may be disposed
in different positions.
[0145] A structure of an image forming apparatus according to a
second embodiment of the present invention, which is equipped with
a cleaning unit, and a structure around the periphery of a
photosensitive drum of the image forming apparatus are similar to
those in the first embodiment. A charging unit 2, an exposing unit
3, a developing unit 4, a transferring unit 6, a fixing unit 7, and
a cleaning unit 8 are disposed around an electrostatic latent image
carrier, i.e. a photoconductor 1.
[0146] A cleaning blade 8a in the cleaning unit in the present
embodiment has impact resilience not less than 35 percent at
10.degree. C. and a rate of change of the impact resilience in a
temperature range of 10.degree. C to 40.degree. C. is not more than
1.4/.degree. C.
[0147] The cleaning blade 8a has to be elastic such that the blade
follows satisfactorily according to the movement of the
photosensitive drum and the toner on the photosensitive drum 1 can
be scraped without getting slipped through the gap between the
cleaning blade 8a and the photosensitive drum. If the value of the
impact resilience is greater, the blade follows the movement of the
photosensitive drum satisfactorily and the toner cannot slip
through easily. Upon examining the temperature dependency of impact
resilience of the elastic material based on the method for testing
of impact resilience, the impact resilience was observed to be low
at a low temperature and increased with the increase in
temperature. In a temperature range of 10.degree. C. to 40.degree.
C., which is a normal temperature range for the use of the image
forming apparatus, it is desirable to have the impact resilience
above certain value. For the cleaning blade 8a in the present
invention, the impact resilience at the minimum temperature of
10.degree. C. is regulated to be not less than 35 percent. If the
impact resilience is less than 35 percent, the cleaning blade 8a is
almost rigid and doesn't follow the movement of the photosensitive
drum 1 satisfactorily, thereby affecting the scraping of the toner.
This may cause defective cleaning, particularly during the
operation of the image forming apparatus at a low temperature.
[0148] If a toner having a small particle size and spherical
particles is used as a developer, since it is difficult to clean
this type of toner with the blade, the value of the impact
resilience of the cleaning blade 8a is even more important. It is
desirable to use a cleaning blade having the impact resilience not
less than 38 percent at 10.degree. C. as the cleaning blade 8a for
cleaning the toner having a small particle size and spherical
particles. This allows more flexibility of cleaning during the
operation at a low temperature.
[0149] Further, the rate of change of the impact resilience in a
temperature range of 10.degree. C. to 40.degree. C. is not greater
than 1.4/.degree. C. In a temperature range of 10.degree. C. to
40.degree. C., i.e. in a normal temperature range of using the
image forming apparatus, smaller the rate of change of the impact
resilience of the cleaning blade 8a, there is no effect due to
change in the temperature. Therefore, the angle of the tip of the
cleaning blade 8a that is in contact with the photosensitive drum
can be maintained to be constant and good cleaning can be
maintained. If the rate of change of the impact resilience is
greater than 1.4/.degree. C. and if the value of the impact
resilience becomes too high on the higher temperature side, it
causes bending of the blade leading to the defective cleaning.
[0150] The elastic material used in the cleaning blade 8a is
similar to that explained in the first embodiment.
[0151] FIG. 9 is an illustration of another embodiment of the
cleaning unit in the present invention. A cleaning unit 908 is
equipped with a first cleaning blade 908a and a second cleaning
blade 908b. At least the first cleaning blade 908a that is disposed
in an upstream side of the rotation of a photosensitive drum 1 is
having an impact resilience such that the rate of change of the
impact resilience in a temperature range of 10.degree. C. to
40.degree. C. is not more than 1.4/.degree. C. When a toner having
a small particle size and spherical particles is used as a
developer, due to the properties that make the cleaning by the
blade difficult as mentioned earlier, use of two cleaning blades is
effective as mentioned in the present embodiment. The toner and
paper dust on the photosensitive drum 1, that could not be cleaned
and removed by the first cleaning blade 908a are cleaned and
removed by the second cleaning blade 908b.
[0152] It is more desirable that both of the first cleaning blade
908a and the second cleaning blade 908b are having the impact
resilience such that the rate of change of the impact resilience in
a temperature range of 10.degree. C. to 40.degree. C. is not more
than 1.4/.degree. C. Even the toner having a small particle size
and spherical particles can be cleaned without any defect even
during the operation at a low temperature. Thus, the cleaning unit
908 that is not affected by the change in temperature can be
provided.
[0153] Both the first cleaning blade 908a and the second cleaning
blade 908b are in contact with the photosensitive drum 1. It is
desirable that the first cleaning blade 908a is disposed in a
counter form (directed against the direction of rotation of the
photosensitive drum) and the second cleaning blade 908b is disposed
in a trailer form (directed in the direction of rotation of the
photosensitive drum). Disposing of the first cleaning blade 908a in
the counter form enables the removal of the toner and the paper
dust remained on the photosensitive drum 1 effectively. Since the
second cleaning blade 908b is provided in a downstream side of
rotation of the photosensitive drum from the first cleaning blade
908a, the toner input is less and the blade may bend easily. This
is prohibited by allowing the contact of the photosensitive drum 1
in a trailer form (directed in the direction of rotation of the
photosensitive drum), thereby maintaining the cleaning performance
over a long period of time.
[0154] It is desirable that the angle of contact of the first
cleaning blade 908a with the photosensitive drum 1 from the
position of a contact line is in a range of 5 degrees to 25
degrees. It is desirable that the contact pressure of the first
cleaning blade 908a and the second cleaning blade 908b is a range
of 10 gf/cm to 60 gf/cm as mentioned earlier.
[0155] It is desirable that the first cleaning blade 908a and the
second cleaning blade 908b are supported by independent supports 8e
and 8f. This is to prevent any mutual interference between the
vibrations in the cleaning blades caused due to the friction with
the photosensitive drum 1, particularly, to prevent any cleaning
defect that is caused due to mutual interference of vibrations
caused due to the low impact resilience at low temperature.
[0156] The positional relationship between the cleaning unit 908
and a decharging lamp 9 is such that either of the two may be in
upstream side of the direction of rotation of the photosensitive
drum 1. The second cleaning blade 908b in the cleaning unit 908 can
be disposed in a downstream side of the direction of rotation of
the photosensitive drum 1 from the first cleaning blade 908a with
the charging lamp between the first cleaning blade and the second
cleaning blade. In this case, it is desirable that the position of
the second cleaning blade 908b is in upstream side from a charging
roller 2a. The material remained on the surface of the
photosensitive drum 1 after being cleaned by the first cleaning
blade includes materials that are firmly adhered electrically on
the surface of the photosensitive drum like inversely charged
toner. For this reason, before the toner reaches the second
cleaning blade 908b, the decharging lamp 9 eliminates the electric
charge in the toner and the second cleaning blade 908b cleans the
toner even more efficiently.
[0157] The cleaning unit in the present invention may be installed
in the process cartridge. The process cartridge in the present
invention supports integrally at least the cleaning unit 8 and the
photosensitive drum 1 that eliminates the materials like toner
remained on the photosensitive drum 1. The process cartridge is
detachable from the image forming apparatus. The cleaning blade 8a
in the cleaning unit 8 has sufficient impact resilience even at a
low temperature and follows the movement of the photosensitive drum
satisfactorily thereby cleaning the surface of the photosensitive
drum without any slipping of the toner. Moreover, the rate of
change of the impact resilience in a temperature range of
10.degree. C. to 40.degree. C., which is a normal temperature range
in which the image forming apparatus is used, is low. Therefore,
the angle of the tip of the cleaning blade 8a in contact with the
photosensitive drum 1 can be maintained constant irrespective of
the change in temperature and stable cleaning can be achieved.
[0158] The image forming apparatus equipped with the cleaning unit
8 in the present invention is not restricted only to the structure
shown in FIG. 1. Other structures like a structure having an
intermediate transfer element to which the toner image on the
photosensitive drum 1 is transferred and carried, a structure
having a plurality of photosensitive drums to form a multicolored
image, are also possible. Further, the cleaning unit of the
photosensitive drum 1 is not restricted to the cleaning units shown
in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 9. A cleaning unit having the transfer
belt 6a or an intermediate transfer element not shown in the
figures is also possible.
[0159] Particularly, in the image forming apparatus in the present
invention in which the installing of cleaning unit proves to be
very effective, the toner used in the developing unit 4 is having a
volume average particle size in a range of 3 micrometers to 8
micrometers. The particles of the toner are small in size and are
in a range of 1.00 to 1.40 of ratio (Dv/Dn) of the volume average
particle size (Dv) and the number average particle size (Dn) and
the particle size distribution is narrow. By narrowing the particle
size distribution, the charging distribution of the toner becomes
uniform and it is possible to achieve a high quality image with
less excessive concentration of toner at a particular point on the
paper and to have a higher transferring rate. So far, it was
difficult to clean such toner having a small particle size with
blade cleaning and overcoming the adhesive power of the toner on
the photosensitive drum. However, by installing the cleaning unit 8
in the present invention, the toner can be cleaned satisfactorily
with a blade having regulated impact resilience. Further, slipping
through of the toner at a low temperature can also be
prohibited.
[0160] Installing the cleaning unit 8 in the present invention
proves to be effective even when the toner having spherical
particles is used in the developing unit. The toner having the
spherical particles enters easily into the gap between the cleaning
blade and the photosensitive drum and hence cannot be easily
cleaned. However, due to the cleaning unit 8 in the present
invention, the cleaning blade 8a follows the movement of the
photosensitive drum 1 satisfactorily thereby allowing to clean the
photosensitive drum. It is also possible to maintain satisfactory
cleaning even under low temperature conditions.
[0161] The toner having the spherical particles can be regulated by
the following values of the shape factors SF-1 and SF-2. For the
image forming apparatus in the present invention, the shape factor
SF-1 of the toner particles is in a range of 100 to 180 and the
shape factor SF-2 of the toner particles is in a range of 100 to
180. The shape factors SF-1 and SF-2 in this case are as explained
in the first embodiment while referring to FIG. 6.
[0162] The toner suitable to the image forming apparatus in the
present invention is prepared by allowing to disperse a toner
material solution consisting of at least a polyester prepolymer
having a functional group that includes nitrogen atoms, a
polyester, a colorant, and a mold releasing agent, in an organic
solvent and then allowing to undergo a cross linking reaction and
an extension reaction in an aqueous medium.
[0163] The composition and the method for preparation of the toner
to be used in the image forming apparatus in the present invention
is similar to that of the toner explained in the first
embodiment.
[0164] The toner prepared by following this method can be used as a
one component magnetic toner not using a magnetic carrier or as a
non-magnetic toner.
[0165] Moreover, when this toner is used in the two-component
developer, it is better to mix it with a magnetic carrier. It is
desirable that the magnetic carrier is a ferrite including a
bivalent metal like iron, magnetite, Mn, Zn, Cu and the volume
average particle size is in a range of 20 micrometers to 100
micrometers. If the average particle size is smaller than 20
micrometers, the carrier may adhere easily to the photosensitive
drum 1 during developing and if the particle size is bigger than
100 micrometers, the mixing with the toner is not good and the
toner is not charged sufficiently thereby causing charging defect
easily during the continuous use. Further, although the ferrite of
Cu that includes Zn is desirable due to its high saturation
magnetization, it can be selected according to the process of the
image forming apparatus 100. The resins that coat the magnetic
carrier are not restricted and resins like silicone resins,
styrene-acrylic resins, fluorine contained resins, olefin resins
can be used. In the method of manufacturing, the coating resin is
dissolved in a solvent, sprayed in the fluid bed, and then coated
on the core. In another method of manufacturing, the resin
particles are adhered to the nucleons electrostatically and then
coated by thermal melting. The thickness of the coated resin is in
a range of 0.05 micrometers to 10 micrometers and the desirable
range of thickness is from 0.3 micrometers to 4 micrometers.
[0166] Thus, according to the present embodiment, by providing the
cleaning blade that has good cleaning performance at a low
temperature and there is no effect on cleaning even with the change
in environmental conditions, it is possible to provide a suitable
cleaning unit for cleaning of the toner having particles of smaller
size and spherical particles. Thus by installing such cleaning
unit, due to an excellent cleaning performance, it is possible to
form a good quality image over a period of long time without any
image defect. Moreover, it is possible to provide a toner that can
be used in this image forming apparatus and can form a highly
defined image.
[0167] The present document incorporates by reference the entire
contents of Japanese priority documents, 2002-276748 filed in Japan
on Sep. 24, 2002 and 2002-314241 filed in Japan on Oct. 29,
2002.
[0168] Although the invention has been described with respect to a
specific embodiment for a complete and clear disclosure, the
appended claims are not to be thus limited but are to be construed
as embodying all modifications and alternative constructions that
may occur to one skilled in the art which fairly fall within the
basic teaching herein set forth.
* * * * *